أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants, and from the evil suggestions of devils and from their presence.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa min sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatish-shayateeni wa an yahdurun
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited for protection, and is particularly relevant when embarking on a journey involving water, such as a sea voyage, or when concerned about water-related dangers for your children. It's a general protection dua that can be recited anytime your child might be near water or when you are away from them and want to invoke Allah's safeguard.
How to Read
This supplication should be recited with sincerity and conviction, believing in Allah's power to protect. It is recommended to recite it with full attention, ideally three times in the morning and three times in the evening, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for seeking Allah's protection. You can blow gently onto your children after reciting it, or onto yourself if you are the one facing the danger.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a shield against various forms of harm, including those that might arise from the natural world and the unseen. By seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words, we acknowledge His ultimate power over all creation and His ability to ward off danger. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to a companion who was worried about his wife traveling by sea, indicating its effectiveness in situations of potential peril, including water-related risks. It fosters reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and brings peace of mind to parents concerned for their children's safety.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When any of you wants to sleep, he should recite: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ (A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa min sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatish-shayateeni wa an yahdurun) (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants, and from the evil suggestions of devils and from their presence.) And he said that they would be protected, and the devil would not approach him until he woke up in the morning.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3893). While this narration is specifically for protection during sleep, the wording of seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words is comprehensive and applicable to all forms of seeking His protection, including from water-related dangers.