Benefits & Rulings:

➊ The efforts of the noble hadith scholars (may Allah be pleased with them) in preserving hadith deserve great appreciation. Look at how faithfully and honestly they reported the blessed words of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. If one teacher narrated, “Allahumma inni a‘udhu bika,” while another recalled and reported only what he had heard as “A‘udhu billah,” the hadith scholar recorded both versions exactly as they were — preserving each word precisely and transmitting them with full integrity.

➋ This hadith teaches that whether one is using the toilet at home or in the wilderness, these supplicatory words should be recited on every occasion.

➌ It should be noted that these words should be recited outside the toilet area, as the toilet is not a place for mentioning Allah. If one is in the wilderness, these words should be recited before uncovering oneself.

➍ Hadith scholars mention that in the words of the du‘a, if “al-khubthi” is read with a ḍammah (u-sound) on the letter “ba,” then it is the plural of the masculine form “khabīth” (evil male jinn), and “khabā’ith” or “khabīthah” refers to female jinn. The intended meaning is male and female jinn. However, if “khabth” is read with a sukoon (silent) on the letter “ba,” then it means: “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from all evils, forbidden things, wickedness, and filth.”