أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.
A'udhu billahi minash-Shaytanir-rajeem
When to Read
Recite this at the very beginning of any act of worship or when you feel tempted, overwhelmed, or notice the whispers of Shaytan affecting your thoughts or actions. It's a foundational statement of seeking Allah's protection before engaging with any challenge, especially those involving spiritual or moral struggle. Think of it as raising your shield the moment you sense an attack.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and conviction, fully believing in Allah's power to protect you. It's often recommended to do this upon feeling tempted or distracted by negative thoughts, and to do so three times if the temptation persists. Some scholars also mention spitting lightly to the left three times, as the Prophet ﷺ did in certain contexts, though the primary focus is the sincere invocation of Allah's protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This simple yet powerful invocation is the first line of defense against Shaytan's persistent whispers. By seeking refuge in Allah, you are acknowledging His absolute power over Shaytan and placing your trust in Him to ward off evil suggestions. It purifies your intention and strengthens your resolve to stay on the right path, ensuring your focus remains on pleasing Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: When any of you stands for prayer, Shaytan comes to him and mixes his [intentions, thoughts, etc.] until he does not know how many rak'ahs he has prayed. If such a one wants to be on the safe side, he should pray as many as he is not sure of (i.e. two if he is not sure whether he prayed two or three, or three if he is not sure whether he prayed three or four) and then say Taslim, and pray the remaining rak'ahs for which he was not sure, and perform Sajdat-sujwud (prostration of forgetfulness). (Sahih al-Bukhari 6115). In another narration in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ was asked about the whispers that occur in the heart, he said: That is the evil whisper of Satan, which is there to confuse a person. When you find that happening, seek refuge with Allah from it (i.e., say: A'udhu billahi minash-Shaytanir-rajeem) and stop yourself from that (thought or action). (Sahih Muslim 2048)