Salaam all, I have recently converted to Islam and I'm trying to learn all the practices of our deen. This question is about Taharah after a bowel movement.
I have read online in some places that water is used to clean the impurity and in some places I have read that wiping with the left hand and water are used to clean oneself. This is what I'm confused about. Is running water (from a hose / hand shower) alone sufficient to purify oneself or is it necessary to wipe with the left hand as well? In case of the latter, does the wiping need to be done with a bare hand or a toilet paper or pure cloth?
I personally feel very uncomfortable by the thought of using my hand to touch my anus and would prefer to only use running water to clean myself but I need to know about the shari'a ruling for this so I can follow the right practices.
I would appreciate it if someone could share a detailed answer to this problem.
Thank you.