اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This dua is particularly poignant to recite after finishing your prayers, both the obligatory ones and any voluntary ones. It's a moment of vulnerability when our hearts are often softer and more receptive to seeking Allah's protection. The period immediately after salaam is a blessed time for dua.
How to Read
After completing your prayer and saying the concluding tasleem (saying 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah' to your right and left), pause for a moment. Turn your attention inward and with sincere intention and a humble heart, recite this dua. Raise your hands if you wish, as is customary for supplication, and supplicate earnestly.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound dua addresses four key areas of potential spiritual deficiency. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge protects us from intellectual arrogance. Asking Allah to shield us from a heart that lacks awe prevents spiritual deadness. Guarding against an insatiable soul keeps us from greed and discontent. And finally, seeking protection from unanswered prayers encourages us to maintain hope and sincerity in our supplications. By reciting this, we actively guard ourselves against arrogance, pride, and spiritual maladies that can creep in, even after diligent worship.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered).