Since childhood, we’ve been told the importance of reciting dua for entering the bathroom, but why is it significant?
As a Muslim, you must be familiar with the Jinn. Allah states in the Quran, “Verily, he [Sheitan] and Qabeeluhu (his soldiers from the Jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them” (al-A’raaf 7:27).
So, the Jinn and Shayateen can see us; however, we cannot see them. Also, it is known that Shayateen and most of the Jinn intend to harm humans. So, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) taught us daily duas for different situations. These duas help us in seeking Allah’s guidance and protection from harm.
Bathrooms, washrooms, or toilets are considered impure places – the home of Shayateen and Jinn. Therefore, Muslims are most vulnerable to being swayed by them. Hence, reciting a dua before entering bathrooms is necessary to seek Allah’s protection from these beings.
What Do Muslims Say When Going to The Bathroom?
Before entering the bathroom, it is necessary to recite the following dua:
اللَّهُـمَّ إِنِّي أَعُـوذُ بِـكَ مِـنَ الْخُـبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Transliteration: “(Bismillah) Allahumma innee A’uzu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba-ith”
Translation: “(In the name of Allah), O Allah, I seek protection in You from the male and female Shayateen.”
In this dua, we ask Allah to protect us from al-khubthi; male Shayateen, and a’l-khabaith; female Shayateen; before entering an impure place; khabith, which is the home of the male and female Shayateen.
Importance Of Reciting Dua Before Going to The Bathroom
Bathrooms or places humans go to relieve themselves. They are considered impure, and Shayateen resides in impure places. Moreover, taking Allah’s name in such dirty places is prohibited. So, Shayateen likes to take advantage of this and harm us in one way or another as Allah’s name drives them away.
Sahih Bukhari, Abu Dawood, and all major hadith collections narrated that the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) stated, “The toilets are visited (by Shayateen and Jinn), so when any one of you goes to the bathroom, they should say, Allahumma innee A’uzu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba-ith (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from evil and from the male and female devils).”
So, by reciting the dua for entering the bathroom, we come under Allah’s protection and stay safe from evil. The purpose of saying “Bismillah” in the name of Allah is Sunnah. So, reciting “Bismillah” along with the entering bathroom dua helps us conceal ourselves from Shayateen and stay safe.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 606 reported that Ali ibn Abi Talib narrated that the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said that “A screen will be placed between the eyes of the Jinn and the ‘awrah (intimate parts) of the sons of Adam when one of them enters the bathroom if he says ‘Bismillaah.”
Hence, reciting the dua to enter the bathroom is necessary whenever you go to the toilet, even if it is to wash your hands. This dua is so vital that it is required for a mother or any person taking a child to the bathroom to recite it on the child’s behalf.
Dua For Exiting the Toilet
Just as we recite Quranic duain for every action, it is also necessary to recite a dua while leaving the bathroom. Sunan Ibn Majah narrated that Bibi ‘Aaisha said that “Whenever the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) exited the bathroom, he used to say Ghufraanaka, (Your Forgiveness).”
You may wonder why asking for Allah’s forgiveness while leaving the bathroom is essential. As Muslims, we know the importance of remembering Allah at all times and engaging in dhikr. However, as bathrooms are impure places, we cannot engage in dhikr while inside. So, according to scholars, we ask for Allah’s forgiveness to make up for this shortcoming.
Additionally, it is necessary to remember to step out of the bathroom with the right foot first. Similarly, stepping inside the toilet with your left foot is preferable as it is sunnah. Several narrations teach us that the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) used his right hand and foot and his left hand and foot for different purposes.
For instance, he used his right hand and foot to wear clothes, enter the mosque, eat, exit the toilet, make wudhu, and so on. Similarly, he used his left hand or foot to clean his private parts, leave the mosque, enter the bathroom, take his clothes off, and so on.
Our Holy Prophet (ﷺ) laid out a complete guide that teaches us to do everything correctly. He taught us the difference between right and wrong so we can make the right choices and be closer to Allah. Following these Sunnahs can help us become better practicing Muslims and help us please Allah.
Conclusion for Why Is It Important to Recite Dua Before Entering the Bathroom?
The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) taught us several duas for everyday tasks that help us seek Allah’s protection and guidance and enables us to remember Him at all times. Similarly, the Prophet also taught us a dua for entering the bathroom.
This dua helps us ask for Allah’s protection before entering the bathroom, an adulterated place visited by Shayateen and the Jinn. As we cannot take Allah’s name in such a place, this dua is recited before going to the toilet and keeps us safe from the evil intentions of Shayateen.
Similarly, it is also necessary to say Ghufraanaka, which means Your Forgiveness, while exiting the bathroom. This dhikr helps us ask for Allah’s forgiveness for not being able to remember him while we were in the bathroom.
If you liked this, you might also like: Why Should Muslims Read Surah Mulk before Sleeping? Eight Powerful Dua’s for Protection Against Harm
