اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ، وَمِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah (Dajjal), and from the evil of my own self (nafs).
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannama, wa min 'adhabi al-qabri, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamati, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal, wa min sharri nafsi
When to Read
This powerful supplication is recited at the end of the prayer, after the final Tashahhud and before the Tasleem (the final salutation). It's a critical moment, right before you exit the sacred space of your prayer, where you are closest to Allah and your heart is most receptive.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full sincerity and reflection. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly imploring Allah for protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often seek refuge in Allah from these specific evils, teaching us the importance of this practice. Ensure your prayer is complete and you are facing the Qiblah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates seeking refuge from major torments: Hellfire, the grave, the trials of this world and the hereafter, and the specific trial of the Dajjal. Crucially, it includes seeking protection from the 'evil of my own self' (شر نفسي - sharri nafsi). This encompasses all the internal struggles we face: our base desires, pride, envy, anger, and any inclination towards sin or straying from Allah's path. By asking for protection from our nafs, we acknowledge its power to lead us astray and place our ultimate reliance on Allah's mercy and strength to guide and guard us.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to invoke Allah during prayer saying: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, from the punishment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah (Dajjal).' (Sahih al-Bukhari 833). Another narration mentions: '...and from the evil of my own self.' (Sahih Muslim 589 adds this crucial part). Context: This specific supplication is known to be part of the Prophet's ﷺ prayers. Scholars mention that it is recommended to say this after the Tashahhud and before the Tasleem, as it's a time when supplications are likely to be accepted. The inclusion of seeking refuge from 'sharri nafsi' is profoundly important because often the greatest battles we fight are internal. Our own desires and inclinations can be more insidious than external temptations.