Question:

Asalaamu alaykum,
Please give me a response to the following questions:

1. The washroom in my office consists of toilets, urinals, wash basins and also there is a separate place to perform wudhu.  I would like to know if it is permissible to perform wudhu in such a washroom.  There could be some bad odour at times in the washroom.
2. Can wudhu be performed by wearing shoes on a wash basin in a standing position?  I shall remove my shoes whilst washing my feet.
3. In some washrooms, there are wash basins and toilets only.  Can wudhu be performed on the wash basin except the feet?  Can I wash the feet in the toilet as I cannot reach the wash basin?

Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

In principle, it is permissible to do wudhū’ standing and sitting.  It will have no impact on the validity of wudhū’.  However, it would be better to sit and perform wudhū’ whenever possible.  If it is difficult to sit and perform wudhū’, then there will be no objection in standing and performing wudhū’.[i] It is permissible to perform wudhū’ in a wash basin as long as your feet and your ankles are washed.[ii]  However, one must make sure he keeps the basin area and floor clean and dry.  Unfortunately, many Muslims after performing wudhū’ in a public washroom, leave behind a mess and a pool of water.  We should be conscious at all times of not causing inconvenience to others.  Treat others like the way you would like to be treated.
It is undesirable to perform wudhū’ or a part of wudhū’ in a place of impurity.  However, if there is no option but to wash your feet in a toilet cubicle, it will be permissible for you to do so.  Be very cautious of coming into contact with impurities. [iii]

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Faraz Adam,
www.darulfiqh.com