بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils (or from evil and evil things).
Bismillahi, Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khaba'ith.
When to Read
This dua is recited just before entering the toilet or bathroom. It's a beautiful reminder of seeking Allah's protection even in places we might consider mundane.
How to Read
Recite this dua clearly before you step into the bathroom. Many scholars advise entering with the left foot *after* reciting the dua, as the dua is a supplication for protection, and the action of entering with the left foot is generally associated with entering places considered impure or for seeking refuge. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would enter the bathroom using his left foot and exit using his right.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from evil spirits (khubuth and khaba'ith) protects us from their harm and whispers, especially in a place associated with impurity. It also instills mindfulness and remembrance of Allah in all aspects of our lives, transforming ordinary actions into acts of worship. The Prophet's ﷺ practice of entering with his left foot and exiting with his right is a Sunnah that demonstrates the meticulousness of his teachings, guiding us in even the smallest of details.
Source & Authentication
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you enters the lavatory, he should 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 the evil ones, male and female)." — Sahih al-Bukhari 142, Sahih Muslim 375. Another narration states: "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to enter the privy, and I and another person with him would carry a water skin and a pitcher for him, and he would ask for water to clean himself with (Istinja)."