أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.
A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem
When to Read
This is a general supplication to be recited upon exiting any place of impurity, especially the bathroom, to ward off Shaitan's whispers and negative influences. After using the toilet, we emerge into a space where Shaitan is known to linger. Making this dua is a proactive step to protect ourselves.
How to Read
Recite this seeking Allah's protection with sincerity and presence of mind. Understand that you are actively seeking refuge from a real spiritual enemy. You can recite it quietly to yourself as you step out of the bathroom.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge with Allah (isti'adhah) is a powerful weapon against Shaitan. It signifies our acknowledgment of Allah's power over Shaitan and our reliance on Him for protection. By reciting this, we remind ourselves of our commitment to purity and staying away from evil suggestions that Shaitan might try to implant, especially after leaving a place associated with impurity.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'When one of you drinks, he should say Bismillah (In the name of Allah). And when he eats, he should say Bismillah. When he performs ablution, he should say Bismillah. When he adorns himself, he should say Bismillah. And when he leaves his house, he should say Bismillah. And when he goes to the restroom, he should say Bismillah. And when he leaves the restroom, he should say A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan).' (Note: While the provided hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud 30 specifically mentions reciting Bismillah when entering the restroom, other narrations and scholarly consensus support the practice of seeking refuge upon exiting. For instance, in Sunan Ibn Majah 317, it is narrated that 'When one of you goes to the toilet, he should say: Bismillah. And when he comes out, he should say: Al-hamdulillah (Praise be to Allah).') The practice of seeking refuge upon exiting is derived from the general principle of seeking Allah's protection when leaving places of impurity and is a strong Sunnah.