اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashcha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This powerful dua can be recited at any time, but it's particularly poignant when you are seeking Allah's help to fulfill your obligations, especially those involving the vulnerable. It's a profound supplication to make when you feel the weight of responsibility, such as managing finances to repay debts, particularly when those debts are owed to orphans and widows, whose rights are strongly emphasized in Islam. Making this dua before engaging in financial planning or seeking means to clear your dues can bring immense barakah and peace of mind.
How to Read
This dua is a direct supplication to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Recite it with sincerity, humility, and a firm belief in Allah's ability to grant your requests. Raise your hands as you make the dua, a sign of seeking help from your Lord. Ensure you understand the meaning of each phrase you utter. Consider reciting it regularly, perhaps after your obligatory prayers or during the times when supplications are most readily accepted, like the last third of the night.
Virtues & Benefits
While this specific dua doesn't directly mention repaying debts of orphans and widows, it is a comprehensive supplication that addresses fundamental spiritual needs that underpin fulfilling all our duties. By seeking refuge from unbeneficial knowledge, a heart lacking *khushu'* (humility and awe), a never-satisfied soul, and unanswered prayers, you are essentially asking Allah to equip you with the best spiritual tools. This equips you to better manage your worldly affairs, including fulfilling financial obligations with integrity and ease. Fulfilling debts, especially those owed to the vulnerable, is a matter of great importance in Islam, carrying significant rewards and averting severe consequences. This dua, by seeking Allah's protection against spiritual deficiencies, helps align your intentions and actions towards pleasing Him in all aspects of your life.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd bin Arqam that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not fear You, and from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.' (Sahih Muslim 2722)