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 supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This dua is potent when you feel the sting of injustice, prejudice, or any form of discrimination. It's a plea for inner strength and divine assistance when facing unfair treatment, whether it's verbal abuse, systemic barriers, or personal slights rooted in racism or other forms of bias. Recite it with sincerity when you feel overwhelmed, when your patience wears thin, or when you need Allah's help to navigate difficult situations without letting them diminish your faith or character.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, as is our practice when making dua. Utter these words with a sincere heart, focusing on the meaning and your need for Allah's protection and guidance. Visualize your worries and the source of your distress being placed in Allah's care. It's also important to combine this dua with righteous action, seeking peaceful and lawful means to address the discrimination you face, while maintaining your dignity and reliance on Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua seeks refuge from four things that can hinder our spiritual progress and peace of mind: useless knowledge, a hardened heart, an insatiable soul, and unanswered prayers. When facing discrimination, it's easy to feel despair or bitterness, leading to a heart that becomes desensitized or a soul that craves revenge. By reciting this, we ask Allah to protect us from these spiritual ailments, ensuring that our response to adversity is one of resilience, faith, and seeking His pleasure, rather than succumbing to negative states.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from (the evil of) four things, and he would say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.' (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 supplication that is not answered.) - Sahih Muslim 2722