اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi
When to Read
This profound supplication is particularly relevant when you encounter acts of kufr (disbelief) or situations that provoke strong emotions like anger. Witnessing disrespect towards Allah, His signs, or His messengers can be deeply unsettling. At such moments, when your initial reaction might be one of frustration or even rage, reciting this dua helps you channel that energy constructively. It's a shield against letting negative emotions take hold, prompting you to seek Allah's protection for your faculties and heart, ensuring your response is guided by wisdom, not just raw emotion.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a focused heart. Understand that you are actively seeking Allah's protection. It's best recited when you feel the stirrings of anger or are about to witness something that might provoke it. Keep your gaze lowered when possible, and try to distance yourself from the situation if it's not conducive to a calm response. The act of uttering these words acknowledges your human fallibility and your absolute reliance on Allah for self-control and sound judgment.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of this dua is seeking Allah's protection against the 'evil' or misuse of our faculties and inner selves. When witnessing kufr, anger can arise from a place of genuine concern for truth and justice. However, unchecked anger can lead to harmful speech (evil of the tongue), destructive thoughts (evil of the heart), or even impulsive actions fueled by what we see (evil of the sight) or hear (evil of the hearing). By reciting this, you're asking Allah to safeguard these very faculties from becoming instruments of sin or further negativity. It helps you to respond with patience and dignity, rather than allowing your own senses and emotions to lead you astray. This fosters inner peace and ensures your actions remain pleasing to Allah, even in trying circumstances.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah from the evil of his hearing, the evil of his sight, the evil of his tongue, the evil of his heart, and the evil of his semen. (The wording for 'semen' has also been narrated as 'my discharge' or 'my private part', referring to the evil of lust and unlawful sexual desires.)