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 not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.
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 specifically recommended to be recited after the obligatory prayers, especially after the salam when one is still in a state of mindfulness and proximity to Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely after finishing your prayer, ideally before you get up or start engaging in other worldly activities. Utter the words with full conviction and contemplation of their meaning, focusing on each aspect you are seeking refuge from.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encompasses seeking protection from four detrimental states: 1. **Useless knowledge:** Knowledge that doesn't lead to righteous action or increased fear of Allah. 2. **Unfeeling heart:** A heart that lacks the necessary reverence and awe of Allah. 3. **Uncontent soul:** A soul that is perpetually craving more, never feeling satisfied. 4. **Unanswered supplication:** A prayer that doesn't ascend to Allah due to impediments like unlawful earnings or heedlessness. By seeking refuge from these, we aim for beneficial knowledge, a heart filled with *khushu'*, contentment, and accepted duas.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge in Allah with these words: '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'.' (Sahih Muslim 2722).