أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ
I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and poisonous creature and from every evil eye.
U'īdhu-kumā bi kalimātillāhit-tāmmah, min kulli shaitānin wa hāmmah, wa min kulli 'ainil-lāmmah.
When to Read
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, is a shield parents can offer their children. We live in a world that, despite its connectedness, often leaves our children feeling lonely or isolated. Whether it’s the pressure of social media, struggles at school, or simply the natural ups and downs of childhood friendships, these feelings can be profoundly challenging. Recite this dua for your child, or children, when you sense they are struggling with their emotional well-being, feeling withdrawn, or facing any form of unseen harm. It's particularly poignant at bedtime, before they leave for school, or during moments when you feel a strong urge to protect them from any negative influence, visible or invisible, that could lead to distress, loneliness, or isolation.
How to Read
The Prophet ﷺ used to recite this dua for his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, indicating its profound significance. When you recite it, do so with sincerity and full conviction in Allah's protective power. - **For two children**: Use the original form: *U'īdhu-kumā* (I seek refuge for you both). - **For one male child**: Change *kumā* to *ka*: *U'īdhu-ka bi kalimātillāhit-tāmmah...* - **For one female child**: Change *kumā* to *ki*: *U'īdhu-ki bi kalimātillāhit-tāmmah...* - **For multiple children (three or more)**: Change *kumā* to *kum*: *U'īdhu-kum bi kalimātillāhit-tāmmah...* You can gently blow over your child after reciting, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ for protection. This act, known as *ruqyah*, is a means of seeking Allah's protection and blessings.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is not just an act of remembrance; it's an active step in seeking comprehensive protection for your children. 1. **Divine Protection**: It invokes Allah's 'perfect words,' which are His attributes, commands, and decrees, to guard your children from all forms of evil – visible and invisible. This includes protection from harmful whispers (waswas), negative social influences, and spiritual ailments like the evil eye, which can sometimes manifest as inexplicable sadness or withdrawal. 2. **Peace of Mind**: For parents, it brings immense peace knowing you have entrusted your children to the ultimate Protector. 3. **Following the Sunnah**: It is a direct emulation of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who cared deeply for his family and taught us the best ways to safeguard them. 4. **Emotional and Spiritual Shield**: While 'loneliness' isn't explicitly in the text, the dua's comprehensive protection from 'every devil' and 'every evil eye' encompasses emotional and spiritual harms that can lead to feelings of isolation and distress. It helps fortify their hearts and minds against negative external forces and internal struggles.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to seek refuge for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain by saying: أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ 'I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and poisonous creature and from every evil eye.' And he (ﷺ) used to say: 'Your father (i.e., Ibrahim) used to seek refuge for Isma'il and Ishaq with these very words.'