اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not feel humbled, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.
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'. Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.
When to Read
Recite this dua when you find yourself constantly comparing your life, achievements, or possessions to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. It is particularly beneficial during moments of self-doubt, social media scrolling, or after encountering people who seem to have 'more' or are 'better' in some way. Make it a regular practice, especially in the morning and evening, to cultivate contentment.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible. Recite with sincerity and conviction, reflecting on the meaning of each phrase. Understand that seeking refuge in Allah (Istia'dha) is a powerful act of reliance. Believe that Allah, Glorified and Exalted, is capable of granting you what you ask for and protecting you from what you seek refuge from. Focus on the internal state of your heart and soul as you recite.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua offers protection from various internal struggles that fuel anxiety and inferiority complexes. Seeking refuge from 'knowledge that does not benefit' helps shield you from the trap of endlessly gathering information or comparing yourself based on superficial knowledge. Protection from 'a heart that does not feel humbled' guards against arrogance and a lack of spiritual connection, both of which can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Protection from 'a soul that is not satisfied' directly combats the restlessness and dissatisfaction that arises from coveting what others have. Finally, seeking refuge from 'a supplication that is not heard' is a plea for acceptance and sincerity in worship. The second part of the dua actively asks Allah for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency, which are the very qualities that build inner strength and contentment, diminishing the need for external validation or comparison.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught his companions a supplication to say when standing to pray: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-thunubi allati tuharrim ma'alallahi, wa a'udhu bika min kulli dhulmin wa dhulumin, wa a'udhu bika min kulli ni'matin bi-ghayri thina', wa a'udhu bika min al-du'a'i al-ladhi la yusma'. Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina. Zayd said: 'So we learned it and taught it to our children.' (The narrator also mentioned another similar narration with slight variations in wording.)