اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa'ith
When to Read
This dua is recited before entering the bathroom, especially when one might feel more vulnerable, perhaps due to illness, weakness, or general unease. The bathroom is a place where we are exposed, and seeking Allah's protection before entering is a beautiful act of reliance. If you're feeling unwell, feverish, or just generally feeling a bit off, this is a perfect time to remember this protection.
How to Read
Recite this dua clearly before stepping into the bathroom. It's part of the Sunnah to say 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before embarking on any action, and this includes entering the bathroom. So, you would typically say 'Bismillah, Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa'ith.' It's recommended to enter with your left foot and exit with your right foot.
Virtues & Benefits
This simple dua offers immense protection. Bathrooms, in Islamic tradition, are places where impure spirits (shayatin) are known to frequent. By seeking refuge in Allah, we are invoking His divine shield against any potential harm, whether physical or spiritual, that might be present. It reminds us that even in private, mundane moments, Allah is our ultimate protector. When you are unwell, your body's defenses might be lower, making this seeking of refuge even more pertinent.
Source & Authentication
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'When one of you wants to enter the privy, he should say: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa'ith.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306, Sahih Muslim 375). The term 'khubuth' refers to male devils and 'khabaa'ith' refers to female devils.