اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.
When to Read
This powerful dua is suitable to be recited at any time, especially when you are feeling concerned about your actions, or when you find yourself in situations where gossip and backbiting are prevalent. It's a good practice to say it in the morning and evening to seek Allah's protection throughout the day and night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, recognizing that the tongue can be a source of immense good or great harm. Try to visualize the protection of Allah surrounding you as you make this supplication. It can be recited individually or in congregation.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for protection from the evil that can stem from our senses and inner selves. The tongue, specifically mentioned, is a double-edged sword. It can be used to glorify Allah, speak truth, and offer sincere advice. However, it can also be used for backbiting, slander, and spreading falsehoods, all of which are grave sins. By seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of the tongue, we are asking for the ability to control our speech and use it for good, thereby avoiding the harm of backbiting and other destructive forms of communication. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or keep silent.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6018). This hadith, along with the dua, emphasizes the importance of guarding our speech.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Al-Mughirah bin Shu'bah said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say in his prayer: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannama, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhabil-qabri, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatid-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-mahyai wal-mawati. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-ma'thami wal-maghrami.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sins and debts.) It was said to him: 'What is the most frequent supplication for which you seek refuge?' He said: 'This supplication from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.' He (Al-Mughirah) said: 'And he used to say: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.)