Short answer
It is makruh (disliked) to take something showing Allah's name or Quranic words into the toilet uncovered. If it is in a pocket, wrapped, or inside a phone or bag, it is fine. A printed Quran should be left outside unless you fear it will be lost or stolen, and then kept covered.
Entering the toilet with a ring, necklace or paper showing Allah's name or Quranic words is makruh. It is not makruh if the writing is covered, in a pocket or in a case. A phone with a Quran app is fine because the text is not on display.
Other madhhabs
- Hanbali
- Taking a mushaf into the toilet without need is haram; other things bearing Allah's name are makruh unless covered.
Explanation
Respecting the name of Allah and His words is part of honouring the symbols of Allah, which the Quran calls a sign of piety in the heart. The toilet is a place of impurity, so scholars teach not to bring His name into it on display. It is a matter of respect, and the ruling is makruh, not haram, in the Hanafi school.
Common items:
- Allah or Ayat al-Kursi necklace: tuck it under your shirt or take it off before going in.
- Ring engraved with Allah's name: turn the writing toward your palm and close your hand, or keep it in a pocket.
- Phone with Quran or dhikr apps: fine to carry. Do not open the Quran on screen while relieving yourself.
- Wallet, banknotes or cards with Allah's name: fine in your pocket.
- A mushaf (printed Quran): leave it outside. If you fear it will be stolen, for example while travelling, cover it well and take it in.
Writing covered by cloth, a case or a pocket is not considered exposed, so there is no need to worry about every paper or screen that might carry a bismillah somewhere. The aim is to avoid bringing Allah's name into the toilet on show. The Shafi'i and Maliki schools also dislike it.
For dhikr before entering, see bismillah in the bathroom and the dua for the bathroom.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Al-Hajj 22:32
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَٰٓئِرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى ٱلْقُلُوبِ ﴿٣٢﴾
That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.
Respecting Allah's name and words is a sign of taqwa.
Sahih al-Bukhari 142
Sahih... اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الخبث والخبائث ...
"O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the male and female devils."
The sunnah is to remember Allah before entering, because the toilet is not a place for His name.
Where the ruling is recorded
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Taharah, section on istinja. Disliked to enter the toilet with something bearing Allah's name unless it is covered.
- Kashshaf al-Qina', Kitab al-Taharah, chapter on istinja. The Hanbali ruling on taking a mushaf into the toilet.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.