Islamic rules previously said that followers should use water or left hand

Directorate of Religious Affairs for Turkey allows it but says water is better

Announcement states the use of toilet paper by Muslims is now permitted

A new Islamic fatwa in Turkey has decreed that Muslims are allowed to use toilet paper.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs for Turkey stated that the use of the material for hygiene is acceptable but water was preferable.

Islamic teachings traditionally state that followers should use water to clean themselves after going to the toilet.

A new Islamic fatwa in Turkey has decreed that Muslims are allowed to use toilet paper

The set of rules for how Muslims should relieve themselves, called the Qadaa al-Haajah, was established in the times before toilet paper or toilet seats were invented.

Use of the left hand or three stones was also permissible.

The code also states that followers should not speak or read while on the toilet and should enter with their left foot and leave with their right, speaking a prayer.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs for Turkey stated that the use of the material for hygiene is acceptable but water was preferable

Men and women are also told not to stand while relieving themselves but to squat or sit.

The new announcement, reported by Hurriyet Daily News, stated: 'If water cannot be found for cleansing, other cleaning materials can be used.'

'Even though some sources deem paper to be unsuitable as a cleaning material, as it is an apparatus for writing, there is no problem in using toilet paper.

Last month the Directorate of Religious Affairs had also relaxed rules on around the use of products containing alcohol - as long as they were not consumed.

Hand sanitizes and other similar products used for hygiene products are now halal.

'While it is forbidden to drink substances containing alcohol that were produced for cleaning purposes, it is acceptable to use them for cleaning,' Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The fatwa stated that places that had been cleaned with the products would not need to be washed again with water prior to performing prayer.

A new ruling on begging, stating that anyone who begs and earns money beyond their immediate needs is 'demanding the fire of hell.'