اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not humble itself, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
Recite this dua when you feel anxious about what others might say or think of you. It's particularly useful before public speaking, important meetings, or any situation where you might feel exposed to criticism or judgment. It helps to center yourself on Allah's protection rather than human opinion.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction. Raise your hands if appropriate for the situation, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. It is generally recommended to recite it before the potentially fear-inducing situation arises, or during moments of anxiety. The repetition of seeking refuge (a'udhu bika) highlights the reliance on Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua seeks protection from four key areas of spiritual and personal weakness. By seeking refuge from 'knowledge that does not benefit,' we aim to have our words and actions be meaningful and rooted in truth, rather than empty pronouncements that can lead to further anxiety. 'A heart that does not humble itself' speaks to the arrogance that might make us fear judgment or seek validation from people. 'A soul that is not satisfied' refers to the insatiable desire for more, including more approval, which fuels anxiety. Finally, seeking refuge from 'a supplication that is not heard' is a way of asking Allah to accept our prayers and make our words impactful and accepted, thus reducing the fear of them being dismissed or ignored. This prayer helps shift our focus from the potential negativity of others to the all-encompassing power and mercy of Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah in these words: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'. Translation: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not humble itself, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. (Sunan Abi Dawud 1550, classified as Hasan by many scholars)