أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
When to Read
This powerful supplication is recommended to be recited after finishing the obligatory prayers. It's particularly relevant as you transition from the focused remembrance of Allah during Salah back into the world, seeking His protection from unseen harms and the difficulties that might arise, especially as night falls and darkness deepens.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and full conviction in Allah's protection. Utter the Arabic words clearly after completing your prayers, while you are still in your place of worship if possible, or shortly thereafter. Reflect on the meaning of seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words, acknowledging His absolute power over all creation and all forms of evil.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words is a profound act of reliance that safeguards you from the 'evil of what He has created.' This encompasses a vast range of potential harms – physical, spiritual, and psychological. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself taught this dua, indicating its immense virtue and effectiveness in warding off troubles and anxieties that can arise, especially during times of vulnerability like the transition from prayer to daily life, or the onset of darkness.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever says this dua three times in the morning, it will suffice him against everything (i.e. against all evils). And whoever says it three times in the evening, it will suffice him against everything (i.e. against all evils).' *Note: While the hadith explicitly mentions morning and evening, its application for seeking protection after prayer, especially in the evening, is directly derived from the concept of seeking refuge from evil. The general principle of seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words after prayer is a well-established practice for protection.*