أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ.
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
When to Read
This powerful dua can be recited for children, especially when they are playing outdoors or if you are concerned about them encountering insects or snakes. It's a general protection dua that can be made at any time, but it's particularly relevant when venturing into areas where such creatures might be present, or as a daily habit to shield them from harm.
How to Read
It is recommended to recite this dua three times in the morning and three times in the evening to seek Allah's protection throughout the day and night. You can gently blow onto your child after reciting it, placing your hands over them, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). It's about invoking Allah's perfect words and His protection with sincere belief and reliance.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a means of seeking Allah's comprehensive protection. The 'perfect words of Allah' refer to His divine commands and decrees, encompassing all His creation and their inherent nature. By seeking refuge in these perfect words, one is essentially seeking protection from anything that may cause harm, including the venom and stings of insects and snakes. It instills a sense of security in the child and the parent, knowing that ultimate protection comes from the Almighty.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have encountered a scorpion that stung me last night." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If you had said when evening came: *'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq'* (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created), it would not have harmed you." Sahih Muslim 2708. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught this dua for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them), reciting: *'U'idukuma bikalimatillahit-tammati min kulli shaitanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah'* (I seek refuge for you both in Allah's perfect words from every devil and poisonous creature, and from every evil eye). Then he would say: 'It was thus that Abraham (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge for his offspring with Allah's perfect words.' Sahih al-Bukhari 3371.