The dua to be recited before undressing was taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as reported by a Hadith in Jami at-Tirmidhi 606. The narrator of the Hadith is Ali Bin Abi Talid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), who reported the Prophet (ﷺ) saying: "The screen between the eyes of the jinns and nakedness of the children of Adam when one of you enters the area of relieving oneself is saying: 'Bismillah.'" – Jami at-Tirmidhi 606.
One should still recite Bismillah before entering the toilet or any area where you will undress. This is because commencing any action or job with the recitation of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) 's name is bound to bring you blessings and ward off Shaytan and evil.
It is recommended to recite this dua before you enter the toilet, or if you're in your room, recite it immediately before you undress. However, if you're changing in the toilet, make sure to recite the dua before you step inside the toilet, as the area or place where you recite any dua should be clean in order to mention Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) 's name or the Quran.
It is also among the etiquettes of this dua that we recite it silently or in a soft voice. This practice is especially recommended if we’re using public spaces, such as shared housing, public restrooms, changing rooms, etc.
"Uthman b. Abu al-'As Al-Thaqafi reported that he made a complaint of pain to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) that he felt in his body at the time he had become Muslim. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Place your hand at the place where you feel pain in your body and say Bismillah (in the name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)) three times and seven times A'udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (I seek refuge with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I fear)." Sahih Muslim 2202
Another benefit of reciting this dua before undressing is the increase in spiritual consciousness within a believer. When we remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) before conducting any act or activity, it builds up excellent character traits within us. We become more grateful in our everyday lives, stay humble, and also know that only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is worth relying upon.
Finally, the main benefit of reciting this dua is being able to emulate the example set by the Prophet (ﷺ). We learn that everyday routine tasks can be a way to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and gain reward. At the same time, we stay connected to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His beloved Prophet (ﷺ).
Islam is a way of life that teaches believers to remember the Lord at all times, especially before important everyday actions. It also teaches us that even the everyday life we lead, the actions we do, and the decisions we make have a spiritual effect on our souls. Something as simple as making dua and having the right intentions can go a long way in improving our character and helping us succeed on the Day of Judgement.
In the same vein, reciting the dua before removing clothes might seem like too much before such an everyday and mundane action. However, it is precisely these remembrances that help us make the connection between ordinary life and all-encompassing spirituality. The Prophet (ﷺ) has always emphasized spiritual mindfulness in everything, which also helps believers practice several good deeds with sincerity and humility.
What exactly does reciting Bismillah before we undress mean? Bismillah translates to “In the name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)”; this is a very common phrase in Islam, but one that holds a lot of power. Along with being defined as the perfect dua when removing clothes, it’s also a spiritual reminder and shield before many other actions. It’s especially recommended to recite Bismillah before doing anything dangerous or risky, or something that calls for privacy and modesty. Whether it’s attempting to climb a ladder, go to the bathroom, or undress for bathing/changing clothes.
By saying that we start with the name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), we are reminding ourselves that all actions and decisions are known by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and He is the One who protects us even in our most vulnerable state. When a person takes their clothes off, they are usually unarmed and unprotected in any way. Anyone can attack them, with women being especially at risk of assault in such a condition. In this state, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the only One who can provide complete protection, which we invoke by saying Bismillah.
Being unclothed is also a spiritually weak state; it can also be the start of committing a grave sin, such as adultery or fornication. Some people also believe that evil spirits and jinns can attack a human while the latter is unclothed. Again, we recite Bismillah and remind ourselves that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone has the power to stop such things from happening.
The same concepts also apply when we are entering the toilet. The dua before entering the bathroom contains a supplication for refuge, since the person is putting himself in a state of vulnerability there too.