2 supplications
Duas for Entering and Leaving the Toilet
The Prophet ﷺ entered the toilet with the left foot after seeking refuge with Allah, and left it with the right foot asking for His forgiveness.
Before entering the toilet
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ 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 devils (or: from filth and evil things).
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim
After leaving the toilet
غُفْرَانَكَ
Ghufranak.
I ask for Your forgiveness.
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud; Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi
Etiquette of relieving oneself
- Enter with the left foot after the dua, and leave with the right foot saying “Ghufranak”.
- Do not face the qibla or turn your back to it in open ground (al-Bukhari, Muslim); inside buildings many scholars allow it while preferring to avoid it.
- Do not take in anything bearing Allah’s name, such as a pendant with a verse, unless you fear losing it.
- Clean yourself with water, or with an odd number of stones or tissues, using the left hand (Muslim).
- Guard against splashes of urine: the Prophet ﷺ said that carelessness with it is a cause of punishment in the grave (al-Bukhari, Muslim).
- Stay covered and do not talk without need.
Meaning of the two du‘as
Before entering, the Muslim says: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from al-khubuth and al-khaba’ith.” Scholars explain these words as the male and female devils, or as every kind of evil and impurity. Places of relieving oneself are places where people uncover themselves and where remembrance is not made, so the believer seeks protection before entering.
On leaving, he says “Ghufranak” — I ask Your forgiveness. Scholars give two explanations: asking forgiveness for the time spent without remembering Allah, or asking forgiveness for falling short in thanking Him for the blessing of food, digestion and relief, which many people only appreciate when they lose them. Short as they are, these words turn an everyday need into worship.
Etiquette of relieving oneself
Enter with the left foot and leave with the right, stay covered, and do not speak without need. Guard against splashes of urine, since the Prophet ﷺ said that much of the punishment of the grave comes from it (al-Bukhari, Muslim). Do not clean yourself with the right hand, and use water, or stones or tissues in an odd number. These manners combine cleanliness, modesty and remembrance of Allah in every state.
Practical tips
- Say the entering du‘a at the door, before stepping in.
- Keep a water bottle or bidet spray to clean yourself properly.
- Leave jewellery bearing Allah’s name outside when possible.
- Check your clothes for splashes before prayer.
- Teach young children the two du‘as at the same time as toilet training.
Duas for Entering and Leaving the Toilet: questions and answers
What if I forget the du‘a and am already inside?
Many scholars say you should not pronounce it aloud there; remember it in your heart and say “Ghufranak” when you leave.
Does a modern bathroom count as a toilet?
Yes. The du‘a is said before entering the part used for relieving oneself, whether it is a separate room or a bathroom with a toilet.
Can I take my phone with Qur’an apps inside?
Yes. A phone is not a mushaf; what is avoided is displaying verses on the screen while inside.