Speaking on cell phone in the washroom

[Nadia Noor]

Salam.  Some people say that while you are in the washroom using the toilet, and if the cellphone rings, don't say "salam alaikum" while on the toilet.  Want to know your opinion on that.

[N. Truth Seeker]

Wa'salam.    Well yes, I would say it's a good point.   A mark of respect.  The greeting of salam is a Quranic instruction.  So it's better not to mention it while using the toilet. 

[Nadia Noor]

If the other person on the phone greets with salam, still one shouldn't reply if using the toilet?

[N. Truth Seeker]

In such a case the caller can be told by the recipient of the call that they are in the washroom and cannot speak now, will call back shortly.  The caller will understand. 

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Why take the cellphone to the washroom at all?   Using the toilet doesn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes at the longest.  Just leave the phone outside the washroom.  If anyone calls, they can leave a voicemail or text message.  In any case their number will appear so you'll know they called and you can call back.  No point in taking the cellphone into the washroom.

[Nadia Noor]

yeh, get your point.

[Nadia Noor]

Heba Husseyn:  Yeh taking cellphone to washroom not good idea for normal people.  I was asking for my mom.  She's old and got high blood pressure.  When she goes to washroom she takes cellphone cause if she falls or hurts herself and can't get up, she can call for help.  So far Alhumdulilah nothing has happened.  But when she has phone in washroom, sometimes calls come.  Some of our Muslim friends say not to utter salaam and walaikum salaam if using toilet.  So I confirmed.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

I see, get your point.  Sorry I never thought of that.  In this case you can follow Br. TS' guidelines.

Moreover, I don't think there is anything drastically wrong with saying salaam or walaikum as-salaam while using the toilet. Of course everyone has respectful and good intentions.  Secondly, it's a verbal greeting which means it's abstract or intangible.  Even if it's uttered while using the toilet, it doesn't and cannot get contaminated with any physical impurity.

[N. Truth Seeker]

....

Moreover, I don't think there is anything drastically wrong with saying salaam or walaikum as-salaam while using the toilet. Of course everyone has respectful and good intentions.  Secondly, it's a verbal greeting which means it's abstract or intangible.  Even if it's uttered while using the toilet, it doesn't and cannot get contaminated with any physical impurity.

I agree to this too;  it's a very logical point.  As long as there is respect & esteem for Allah Almighty in one's heart and mind, that's what is required.

[Nadia Noor]

Thank u for explaining.