The bathroom duas
Before entering the bathroom
When: Say it before stepping into the toilet, not inside.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Transliteration: Bismillaah. Allaahumma innee a'oodhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa'ith
Meaning: In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female evil ones (devils).
Source: "Bismillah": Jami' at-Tirmidhi 606. The dua: Sahih al-Bukhari 142 and 6322; Sahih Muslim 375.
After leaving the bathroom
When: Say it once you have stepped out.
غُفْرَانَكَ
Transliteration: Ghufraanak
Meaning: (I ask) Your forgiveness.
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 30; Jami' at-Tirmidhi 7.
Why we say this dua
The hadith explain that toilets are places frequented by devils, so the Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek Allah's protection before entering. Saying "Bismillah" before entering is described as a screen between the eyes of the jinn and a person's privacy (Tirmidhi 606).
Khubuth or khubth? Both pronunciations are narrated. Al-khubuth is commonly explained as male devils and al-khaba'ith as female devils; al-khubth is explained as evil in general.
Bathroom etiquette (adab) to teach children
- Say the dua before entering.
- Many scholars recommend entering with the left foot and leaving with the right.
- Do not take anything bearing Allah's name or Quranic verses inside.
- Do not talk unnecessarily while using the toilet.
- Clean yourself properly (istinja) and wash your hands.
- Say "Ghufraanak" when you leave.
Teaching this dua to young children
Put a small printed card with the dua (with the Arabic and the transliteration) on the outside of the bathroom door, and say it together every time for two weeks. Most children learn both duas quickly this way. See more in our daily duas for kids guide.
Our teachers include daily duas and Islamic manners in every kids Quran class. Book a free trial.