SUPPLICATION FOR ENTERING THE BATHROOM AND TOILET
Before entering the toilet, or a bathroom that contains one, one may recite "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khaba'ith" — an expression of seeking refuge in God from seen and unseen harm. On leaving, one may briefly say "Ghufranaka," or in a longer form, "Alhamdulillahilladhi adh'haba 'annil-adha wa 'afani." These recitations relate to sunnah and etiquette; they are not obligatory, and forgetting them carries no sin.
Duas and Verses
Supplication for Entering the Toilet/Bathroom
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Allâhümme innî eûzü bike mine'l-hubsi ve'l-habâis.
O God, I seek refuge in You from filth and evil, both seen and unseen.
It is reported that the Prophet would say this before entering the toilet. The supplication is recited outside, just before entering — not aloud or at length once inside.
Supplication for Leaving the Toilet/Bathroom (Short Form)
غُفْرَانَكَ
Gufrâneke.
I ask for Your forgiveness.
Because it is short, it can easily be taught to children and beginners; it can be said right after leaving.
Supplication for Leaving the Toilet/Bathroom (Longer Form)
Elhamdülillâhillezî ezhebe annil-ezâ ve âfânî.
Praise be to God, who removed what was troubling me and granted me well-being.
This is a longer form found in sources alongside (not in place of) Ghufranaka; both are presented here with their source, not as unverified embellished variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it obligatory to recite a supplication before entering the toilet?
No. The reported supplication relates to sunnah and etiquette; not reciting it does not invalidate one's need or cleanliness.
What if the supplication is forgotten while inside?
There is no need to worry if it is forgotten. One can say "Ghufranaka" after leaving and try to remember to recite it before entering next time.
Is "Bismillah" said as well?
Bismillah and the entrance supplication can be said outside the toilet, right before entering.
Which short phrase should be taught to children first?
"Ghufranaka" and the short meaning of the entrance supplication can be taught first. Memorization should not be prioritized over understanding the meaning.
Sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Deavât 54
- İbn Mâce, Tahâret 10