أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min kulli shaitanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah.
When to Read
As parents, we constantly worry about our children's safety. This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offers a powerful means of protection. Recite it for your children: * **Before they sleep each night:** Just as you might tuck them in, whisper this dua over them. * **When leaving the house:** Especially when they're going to a new place, or spending time outdoors. * **During times of fear or anxiety:** If you sense a potential danger, or your child seems unusually distressed. * **Generally, as a daily practice:** Integrate it into your routine, perhaps after Fajr or Asr prayers, as a consistent shield.
How to Read
Reciting this dua for your children is a beautiful act of parental love and reliance on Allah. The Prophet ﷺ himself would recite it for his grandchildren. Here’s how you can do it: 1. **Be present and sincere:** Hold your child, or gently place a hand on their head or chest. 2. **Recite the Arabic clearly:** Pronounce each word with understanding and intention. 3. **Gently blow:** After reciting, you can gently blow over your child. This is a sunnah practice, a form of *ruqyah* (spiritual healing/protection) that transfers the blessing of the words. Remember, your faith in Allah's protection through these words is key.
Virtues & Benefits
There’s a profound sense of peace that comes from knowing we’re seeking protection for our children with words taught by the best of creation, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This dua carries immense blessings: * **Protection from various evils:** The phrase "*min kulli shaitanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah*" is comprehensive. "*Hammah*" refers to anything that stings or poisons, including snakes, scorpions, and harmful insects. "*Shaitanin*" covers devils and mischievous jinn, and "*'aynin lammah*" protects from the evil eye, a gaze that can cause harm by envy or ill-will. * **Following Prophetic Sunnah:** We are emulating the actions of not only our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but also Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him), who used similar words to protect his sons, Isma'il and Ishaq (Ishmael and Isaac). * **Reliance on Allah's Perfect Words:** The dua begins by seeking refuge in "the perfect words of Allah." This acknowledges that Allah's words are complete, powerful, and without flaw, making them the ultimate source of protection. * **Parental solace:** For us as parents, it provides a spiritual tool to proactively safeguard our children, knowing we've turned to the most potent form of defense.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to seek refuge for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and say: "Your father (i.e. Abraham) used to seek refuge with Allah for Isma'il and Isaac with these words: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ 'I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye.'" — Sahih al-Bukhari 3371