What dua do I say before intimacy?

Before intimacy with your spouse, say: "Bismillah, Allahumma jannibnash-shaytan, wa jannibish-shaytana ma razaqtana." It means "In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep Shaytan away from us and keep Shaytan away from what You give us." You can say it quietly, and it only takes a few seconds.

The dua and its virtue

The Prophet ﷺ said that if one of you, when coming to his wife, says this dua and they are then given a child, Shaytan will never harm that child (Sahih al-Bukhari 141). It's a short request for protection for the couple and for any child Allah may give them.

Arabic transliteration: Bismillah, Allahumma jannibnash-shaytan, wa jannibish-shaytana ma razaqtana.
Meaning: In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep Shaytan away from us and away from what You provide for us.

It's sunnah, not a condition. If you forget, nothing about your marriage or your relationship becomes invalid. Both husband and wife can say it. Saying it quietly is fine. See Can I make dua silently in my head?

Intimacy in marriage is good

Many converts are surprised that Islam talks about this so openly. In Islam, intimacy between spouses isn't shameful; it's part of the love and mercy Allah placed in marriage. The Prophet ﷺ even said there is reward (sadaqah) in a man's intimacy with his wife (Sahih Muslim 1006).

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy." Quran 30:21

The wedding night dua

On the first meeting after the nikah, the Prophet ﷺ taught the husband to place his hand on his wife's forehead and ask Allah for her good and the good of her nature, and seek refuge from any harm (Sunan Abi Dawud 2160). Many couples also pray two rak'ahs together, a practice reported from the Companions. Do it gently, with a smile; it's meant to be a warm start, not a formal ceremony.

Afterwards

After intimacy, a full bath (ghusl) is required before the next prayer. You don't have to rush out of bed, but make sure you don't miss a prayer time. See When is ghusl required?

Many couples also find it helps to learn daily duas together, like the dua for getting dressed. See What dua do I say when getting dressed?

Key points

Say "Bismillah, Allahumma jannibnash-shaytan wa jannibish-shaytana ma razaqtana" before intimacy.
It asks Allah to protect the couple and any child from Shaytan.
It's sunnah, can be said quietly, and forgetting it doesn't invalidate anything.
Intimacy between spouses is rewarded, and ghusl is needed afterwards before praying.

Tip: Write the dua on a small card in your bedside drawer for the first few weeks. Once you've said it a handful of times, you'll remember it without looking.

What dua do I say before intimacy?

The dua and its virtue

Intimacy in marriage is good

The wedding night dua

Afterwards

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