Powerful Dua to Read Before Intercourse for Married Couples
Building a loving, halal marriage is a blessing from Allah. Part of that blessing is intimacy between husband and wife. It’s not just a physical act; it’s also worship when done the right way – with the right intention and the right dua before intercourse.
In this guide, we’ll look at the beautiful Sunnah dua to read before marriage intimacy, its meaning, and how it can bring barakah (blessings) into your married life.
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Why Recite a Dua Before Intercourse?
Many couples don’t realize that there is a special Islamic dua before intercourse taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This supplication turns a private moment into an act of worship.
Here’s why this dua is so important:
- It protects your children from Shaytan – if Allah blesses you with a child from that intimacy.
- It reminds you that intimacy is a gift from Allah, not something to feel ashamed of in marriage.
- It strengthens love and mercy between husband and wife.
- It brings peace of heart and keeps your actions within halal boundaries.
Think of it this way: just like we say “Bismillah” before eating, entering the house, or starting something important, we should also remember Allah before coming together with our spouse.
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The Authentic Dua to Read Before Intercourse
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught a specific dua before having sex. This dua is reported in authentic Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
The Dua in Arabic
اللّهُمَّ جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا
Transliteration
Bismillah, Allahumma jannibna ash-shaytaan, wa jannib-ish shaytaan ma razaqtana.
(Some narrations include “Bismillah” at the beginning, so many scholars recommend starting with it.)
Meaning in English
“In the Name of Allah. O Allah, keep Shaytan away from us and keep Shaytan away from what You provide us (our offspring).”
This simple dua carries a deep meaning. You’re asking Allah to:
- Protect you and your spouse from the whispers and evil of Shaytan.
- Protect any future child conceived from that union.
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When and How to Recite the Dua
Many couples ask, “When exactly should we say the dua before intercourse?”
Here is a simple way to follow this Sunnah:
- Make sure you are both in a halal marriage (Nikah).
- Before intimacy begins, one of you quietly recites the dua.
- You can say it out loud in a soft voice or silently with your lips.
- It is enough if one spouse says it, though both can say it if they wish.
You don’t have to raise your hands like a long dua. Just say it naturally, the same way you say “Bismillah” before eating.
If you forget and remember later, simply say “Bismillah” and make a short dua in your heart, asking Allah for protection and barakah.
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The Virtue of This Dua: Protection for Future Children
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) promised a powerful reward for reciting this dua. In the Hadith, he (ﷺ) said that if a child is decreed from that intimacy, Shaytan will never be able to harm that child.
Of course, this doesn’t mean the child will never be tested in life. Every human faces trials. But it means that Allah will give special protection from the influence of Shaytan.
Think about it:
– We worry about our children’s future.
– We want them to grow up righteous, strong, and close to Allah.
– We make dua for them after they are born.
This dua is like a first shield of protection even before they exist.
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Intimacy in Islam: A Form of Worship
Some people feel shy or guilty about intimacy, even in marriage. But in Islam, sexual relations between husband and wife are not dirty or sinful when done in a halal way. They are pure and rewarded.
The Sahabah once asked the Prophet (ﷺ) how they could be rewarded for satisfying their desires. He replied that if they did the same act in a haram way (like zina), they would be sinful. So, when they do it in a halal way, they are rewarded.
This shows:
- Intimacy is part of halal enjoyment that Allah has allowed.
- It can bring you closer to Allah when done with the right intention.
- It increases love, mercy, and connection between spouses.
So, reading a dua before intimacy is more than just words – it’s a reminder that your whole married life is part of your deen.
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Practical Tips for Couples
Knowing the dua is one thing. Actually making it part of your life is another. Here are a few simple tips:
1. Memorize the Dua Together
Sit down with your spouse and practice the dua:
- Write it on a small card and keep it in your room.
- Listen to an audio recitation to get the pronunciation right.
- Help each other memorize it – gently correct and encourage one another.
Turning it into a shared effort strengthens your bond.
2. Start with Bismillah
Even if you forget the full dua at times:
- At least say: “Bismillah”.
- Then ask Allah in your own words: “O Allah, bless this intimacy and protect us and our children.”
Allah knows your intention and your effort.
3. Keep the Environment Halal
If we want Allah’s blessings, we should also avoid haram things linked to intimacy, such as:
- Pornography and explicit content.
- Sharing intimate details of your spouse with others.
- Imitating sinful practices from non-Islamic sources.
A clean, respectful, halal environment makes this dua even more meaningful.
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Common Questions About Dua Before Intercourse
Do both husband and wife have to say the dua?
No, it is enough if one of them recites it, but it is good if both know it. Some couples like to say it together quietly, which can increase closeness and awareness of Allah.
Can we say the dua in our own language?
The original dua is best recited in Arabic because it is from Hadith. However, if you struggle with Arabic, you can:
- Try your best to learn the Arabic version over time.
- For now, also make a simple dua in your own language, asking Allah for protection and barakah.
What if we forget to say the dua completely?
You are not sinful for forgetting, but you may miss out on the special virtue mentioned in the Hadith. Use it as a reminder to try again next time. Over time, it will become a natural habit.
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Bringing Barakah Into Your Married Life
Marriage is more than a contract; it’s a journey of two souls trying to please Allah together. When you bring Allah into every part of that journey – including your bedroom – your relationship becomes stronger, purer, and more peaceful.
A simple dua to read before intercourse might feel like a small thing, but it can:
- Change how you view intimacy.
- Fill your heart with gratitude.
- Protect your future children.
- Turn a private act into worship.
Ask yourself: if a few seconds of dua can bring so many blessings, why miss it?
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Final Thoughts
The Sunnah dua before intercourse is a gift to every married couple. It is short, simple, and powerful:
“Bismillah, Allahumma jannibna ash-shaytaan, wa jannib-ish shaytaan ma razaqtana.”
Try to memorize it, practice it, and make it a regular part of your married life. With this small step, you invite Allah’s mercy and protection into your most intimate moments.
May Allah fill your marriage with love, tranquility, and barakah, and bless you with righteous offspring protected from the whispers of Shaytan. Ameen.