أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.
A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir rajeem
When to Read
This powerful declaration is our first line of defense when anger begins to simmer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this specific action when a man became angry in his presence. It's not just for moments of extreme rage, but a proactive step to take as soon as you feel that heat rising. Think of it as an immediate spiritual 'cool-down.'
How to Read
When you feel the first stirrings of anger – perhaps your heart starts pounding, your thoughts race, or you feel a flush of heat – consciously say this phrase. It's recommended to also spit three times to your left, as the Prophet ﷺ instructed, and to change your physical state, perhaps by sitting down if you were standing. This combination of verbal, physical, and intentional spiritual action helps to disrupt the anger's hold.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the root of much anger: the whispers and provocations of Shaytan. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge His ultimate power over Shaytan and ask for His protection from these negative influences. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Indeed, anger is from Shaytan, and Shaytan was created from fire. The remedies for it are the [recitation of] 'A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir-rajeem' and ablution with water. So if a man's anger, the one of them, is angered, let him say 'A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir-rajeem and perform ablution.' (Reported by Ahmad, classed as Sahih by Al-Albani). This hadith shows how this simple act can extinguish the 'fire' of anger, much like water extinguishes fire.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Sulayman bin Surad (may Allah be pleased with him): Two men were reviling each other in front of the Prophet ﷺ. One of them was red in the face, and the veins on his neck were bulging. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'I know a word, if he were to say it, that which he feels would go away. Do you have the word?' They said: 'Tell us.' He said: 'A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir-rajeem' (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan). Sahih al-Bukhari 6115. (Note: A similar narration is found in Sahih Muslim 2730, emphasizing the act of spitting to the left and changing posture when anger strikes.)