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
We've all had moments where an unsettling feeling washes over us – perhaps a lingering thought of someone's jealousy, a strange incident, or a general sense of unease. This powerful supplication is your immediate source of tranquility when you feel overwhelmed by the thought or suspicion of witchcraft, the evil eye, or any spiritual harm. Recite it as soon as you feel a sense of fear, anxiety, frustration, or even **anger** creeping in due to such concerns. It’s a shield you deploy *in the moment*, reminding your heart that Allah’s protection is absolute. Many Muslims also find reciting it upon waking and before sleeping, and whenever they enter a new place or feel vulnerable, helps maintain a constant state of calm and reliance on Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full conviction and presence of heart. Take a moment to truly understand its profound meaning: you are seeking refuge in the *perfect* words of Allah, acknowledging that His power is supreme over all creation and all evil. Trust completely that when you call upon Him with sincerity, He will protect you. While it can be recited silently or aloud, the key is the sincerity and certainty in your heart. You can also repeat it multiple times, for example, three times, as mentioned in some narrations for similar protective duas, to reinforce your reliance and seek continuous protection.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of this dua is **comprehensive divine protection** from all forms of evil Allah has created, be it from jinn, humans, animals, or circumstances, including the subtle harms of witchcraft and the evil eye. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that reciting it ensures one is not harmed by any poisonous sting or general evil. Beyond physical protection, it brings **profound inner peace and calmness**, dispelling the fear, anxiety, and **anger** that often accompany suspicions of magic or evil eye. By seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words, you declare your absolute reliance on Him, which settles the heart and replaces panic with trust. It empowers you to face such challenges with serenity, knowing you are under the care of the Almighty. This isn't just a shield, it's a profound act of *tawakkul* (trust in Allah) that settles a troubled heart.
Source & Authentication
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I was stung by a scorpion last night.' He (ﷺ) said: 'If you had said, when you woke up, 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq' (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created), it would not have harmed you.' Another narration mentions: 'Whoever recites 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq' three times in the evening will not be harmed by any poisonous sting during that night.' — Sahih Muslim 2708