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Dua Before & After Using the Toilet

The Prophetic supplications for entering and leaving the bathroom — with full Arabic text, transliteration, and meaning.

Before Entering the Toilet

بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ

Bismillah, Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba'ith

"In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from male and female evil jinn (devils)."

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 142, Sahih Muslim 375

After Leaving the Toilet

غُفْرَانَكَ

Ghufranaka

"I seek Your forgiveness."

Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 30, Jami' At-Tirmidhi 7

Some scholars also recommend saying: "Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi adh-haba annil-adha wa 'afani" (الحمد لله الذي أذهب عني الأذى وعافاني) — "Praise be to Allah who removed harm from me and kept me healthy." (Ibn Majah 301)

Islamic Toilet Etiquette

  • 1.Say Bismillah and the dua before entering — seek Allah's protection
  • 2.Enter with your left foot first
  • 3.Do not face or turn your back to the Qiblah
  • 4.Do not speak, read Quran, or make dhikr while inside
  • 5.Use water (istinja) for cleansing — the Sunnah method
  • 6.Use your left hand for cleansing, never the right
  • 7.Exit with your right foot first
  • 8.Say "Ghufranaka" after leaving

Why Do We Say "Ghufranaka"?

Scholars explain several wisdoms behind seeking Allah's forgiveness after using the toilet:

1. Gratitude for health: The ability to eat, digest, and relieve yourself is a blessing many don't appreciate until it's taken away. Saying "Ghufranaka" acknowledges that even this basic function is from Allah.

2. Forgiveness for dhikr neglect: Since we cannot mention Allah's name while in the bathroom, we seek forgiveness for the brief interruption in remembrance.

3. Humility: The bathroom reminds us of our physical nature — we are weak, dependent beings. This humility naturally leads to seeking Allah's forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dua do you say before entering the toilet?
Before entering the toilet, say: "Bismillah, Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba'ith" (In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from male and female evil jinn). Enter with your left foot first. (Sahih Al-Bukhari 142)
What dua do you say after leaving the toilet?
After leaving the toilet, say: "Ghufranaka" (I seek Your forgiveness). Exit with your right foot first. This is narrated by Aisha (RA) in Sunan Abu Dawud 30 and authenticated by At-Tirmidhi.
Why do Muslims say a dua before using the toilet?
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that the toilet/bathroom is a place where jinn and evil spirits dwell. Saying Bismillah and seeking refuge in Allah before entering provides spiritual protection. It also reminds the Muslim to be grateful for the ability to relieve themselves — a blessing of health many take for granted.
See All Essential Duas →