اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ الْأَرْبَعِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from these four.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsil la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min ha'u la al-arba'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly powerful when you feel a sense of unease about your spiritual state, your contributions, or your overall place in the grand scheme of things. It's a comprehensive prayer for protection against internal states that can lead to anxiety, including the fear of being forgotten or left behind in one's pursuit of Allah's pleasure. Recite it during the day, especially after Fajr or Asr prayers, or whenever you feel these anxieties creeping in.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, turning to Allah with a humble heart. Imagine seeking refuge in Him from these specific ailments of the heart and mind. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often sought refuge from these very things, highlighting their significance. Raising your hands slightly while making dua is a practice of the Sunnah, especially when seeking refuge.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection against various spiritual and psychological distresses. By seeking refuge from knowledge that doesn't benefit, we guard against intellectual arrogance or wasted effort. Protection from a heart that doesn't fear Allah prevents hardness and spiritual insensitivity. Asking Allah to save us from a soul that isn't satisfied counters greed and constant discontent, which can fuel the anxiety of 'not having enough' or 'not achieving enough.' Finally, seeking refuge from unanswered supplications is a profound request, acknowledging our dependence on Allah and seeking His acceptance. This protection helps us focus on our connection with Allah rather than on worldly validation or the fear of being overlooked.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Zaid bin Arqam: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not fear You, and from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.' Zaid said: 'I said to him (Zaid bin Arqam): O Messenger of Allah, this is the supplication of the people of the grave.' But Zaid bin Arqam said: 'We recite it in our supplications.' [Sahih Muslim 2722]