Dua for entering the toilet and leaving it
The dua for entering the toilet asks Allah for protection: “Allahumma inni a‘udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith”. On leaving, you say one word: “Ghufranak”. Here are both, with Arabic, meaning and source, and the etiquette of the toilet from the Sunnah.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
Dua for entering the toilet
[بِسْمِ اللَّهِ] اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبائِث
(Bismillah.) Allahumma inni a‘udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith.
“(In the name of Allah.) O Allah, I seek refuge in You from all evil and evil beings.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim; “In the name of Allah” added in other narrations. Arabic text: Hisn al-MuslimDua for leaving the toilet
غُفْرَانَكَ
Ghufranak.
“I ask You for Your forgiveness.”
Scholars explain that one asks forgiveness here for the time Allah was not remembered, and in gratitude for the ease of relieving oneself.
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi. Arabic text: Hisn al-MuslimEtiquette of the toilet
- Enter with the left foot and leave with the right foot, as scholars derived from the Sunnah of honouring the right.
- Do not take a mushaf or anything with Allah’s name into the toilet; keep it in a pocket or bag if it cannot be left outside.
- Do not face or turn your back to the qiblah in open spaces (Sahih al-Bukhari 144). Inside buildings, many scholars allow it, but avoiding it is better.
- Clean yourself with water (istinja’) or, if water is not available, with tissue, using the left hand (Sahih Muslim 262).
- Do not speak unnecessarily inside.
Cleanliness is half of faith (Sahih Muslim 223). For the full rules of purification, see how to perform wudu, how to perform ghusl and reading the Quran without wudu. Teaching young children? These two du‘as are among the first in duas for kids. More in our daily duas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I say the dua inside or outside the toilet?
Before entering. The du‘a is said at the door, because Allah’s name should not be mentioned inside the toilet itself.
What if I forget the dua?
If you are already inside, most scholars say you should not say it there. Remember it next time; there is no sin in forgetting.
Is it the same for a bathroom with a toilet in it?
Yes. In most UK homes the bathroom and toilet are one room, so the same du‘a and etiquette apply when you enter.
Islamic manners, taught step by step
Three free one-to-one Islamic studies lessons in UK time, for children and new Muslims.