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 dua is recommended to be recited three times after the Maghrib prayer, as well as after Fajr prayer. It's a beautiful way to conclude your prayers by actively seeking Allah's refuge from all forms of evil that He has brought into existence, seen or unseen.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with conviction in your heart that Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) is the only one who can grant protection. Say it with a clear voice or softly, focusing on the meaning and seeking refuge in Allah's perfect and all-encompassing words. It's part of the Sunnah to repeat it three times.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a means of immense protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua to safeguard us from various harms, including harmful creatures, negative influences, and any evil that might afflict us or our surroundings. By seeking refuge in Allah's 'perfect words,' we acknowledge His absolute power and sovereignty over all creation, thus invoking His divine shield. The Prophet ﷺ himself would seek refuge in Allah using these words.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'He who says it [meaning A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq] three times when night falls, will be protected from any poison that may harm him that night.' (When morning came, Allah's Messenger ﷺ was brought someone who had been bitten by a scorpion, and he said: 'As for the one who said: 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created' (three times), he was not harmed.') (Sahih Muslim 2708). Although the specific context mentions protection from poison after Maghrib, the general wording of seeking refuge from the 'evil of what He has created' makes it applicable for protection from all evils throughout the day and night, especially after the obligatory prayers when our supplications are more likely to be answered.