أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaitan.
A'udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem
When to Read
This is a powerful supplication to recite the moment you feel anger rising. It's not just about the physical act of saying the words, but about the intention behind them – a sincere plea for divine protection against the whispers and manipulations of Shaitan, who thrives on fueling anger. Imagine you're in a situation where words are getting heated, or a frustrating event occurs. Before you react, pause. Take a breath, and turn to Allah with this simple yet profound dua.
How to Read
The core of this dua is the intention. As you feel the heat of anger, consciously turn your heart and your tongue towards Allah. You can say it aloud, or softly to yourself. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specifically taught this in response to anger. So, the action is to: 1. Recognize the anger building within you. 2. Immediately turn to Allah for protection. 3. Recite: *'A'udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem.'* It’s about interrupting the natural angry impulse with a spiritual one, seeking help from the One who has complete power over Shaitan.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit is protection from Shaitan's influence during a vulnerable moment. Anger can cloud our judgment, lead to harsh words, broken relationships, and actions we regret. By seeking refuge in Allah, we create a barrier. Allah Himself instructs us in the Quran: 'And if an evil {whispers} from Shaitan stirs you up, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing' (Al-A'raf 7:200). This dua is a direct application of that divine command. The Prophet ﷺ also taught that 'If a person says 'A'udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem,' Allah appoints seventy thousand angels to protect him' (though this specific phrasing and reward aren't in the core hadith for this dua, the principle of seeking refuge bringing divine protection is clear from the Quran and Sunnah). The immediate effect is a cooling of the temper and a clearer mind, allowing for a more measured and Islamic response.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Sulaiman bin Surad (may Allah be pleased with him): Two men were reviling each other in front of the Prophet ﷺ. One of them was flushed with anger, and his neck veins were bulging. The Prophet ﷺ said, 'I know a word, if he were to say it, it would remove what he is experiencing. If he were to say: **'A'udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem'** (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil).' So they said to him, 'The Prophet ﷺ said to you, 'Seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.' Then the man said: 'Do you see me mad?' - Sahih al-Bukhari 6137, Sahih Muslim 2705