Islam is the religion of cleanliness, Islam requires a person to pay considerable attention to his personal hygiene and cleanliness. The Qur’an says: “Truly Allah loves those who turn unto Him, and loves those who have a care for cleanness.” (Al-Baqarah: 222) The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) states: “Cleanliness is half of faith.”
Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America states: “The toilet [or latrine] used to be a dirty place. One would see the filth around and it was a smelly place. It was not proper to take the name of Allah and make du`a’ in such a place. Allah’s name is venerable and it must be respected. Thus the rule was that in such place the name of Allah should not be mentioned. Those who keep their toilets dirty and smelly should still abide by this rule. But most people now keep their toilets very clean. If you keep your bathroom clean, then the rule will be that do not say the name of Allah when you are on the toilet seat. But when you finish from there and use the flush, then the area is for wudu’; and there you can mention any adhkar (mentions of Allah) of wudu’ that you wish to say.” Dr. Rif`at Fawzi, professor of Shari`ah at Cairo University, adds: “As for making dhikr in the bathroom when you are making wudu’ or ghusl(ritual bath), it is permissible if you are sure that the place is pure and there is no impurity in it. Also, this dhikr is to be confined to the du`as (supplications) of the wudu’ or ghusl such as saying the Basmallah or seeking Allah’s refuge against Satan; otherwise it’s better not to make dhikr – which is meant to be an act of worship – in the bathroom.”