اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلاَءِ الأَرْبَعِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is of no benefit, and from a heart that has no fear (of Allah), and from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered. 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 nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min ha'ula'il-arba'.
When to Read
This dua is powerful when you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances at work, especially if you are facing situations where you fear being exploited or treated unfairly. Recite it before starting your workday, during moments of distress, or before approaching your employer or colleagues with concerns about your labor rights. It's a plea for divine protection and guidance in navigating difficult work relationships and practices.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction, raising your hands as you do so, similar to how one would make a general supplication. Face the Qiblah if possible, and ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu). It is best recited after the obligatory prayers or during the quiet hours of the night when you are seeking direct communion with Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from these four things is crucial for spiritual and worldly well-being. Knowledge without benefit can lead to arrogance or misguidance. A heart without the fear of Allah lacks direction and purpose. A soul that is never satisfied can lead to greed and dissatisfaction, often driving people to unfair means. Unanswered prayers can lead to despair. By seeking refuge from these, you are asking Allah to safeguard you from internal weaknesses that could lead to or make you susceptible to external exploitation and unfair treatment in your work.
Source & Authentication
Al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from four things, and we too seek refuge in Allah from them. (He then mentioned this hadith). Sunan Abi Dawud 1550. This narration implies that seeking refuge from these four matters was a practice known among the companions, indicating its importance and the wisdom behind it.