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 feel humble, 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 powerful dua is particularly relevant during the *tashahhud* or any moment of supplication within prayer (salat). When we are sitting in prayer, especially at the end before the tasleem, our hearts are meant to be focused on Allah. This is a prime time to reflect on His perfection and our own shortcomings, seeking His help to overcome them. It's also beneficial to recite this at other times in prayer when your mind might be wandering, as a way to recenter your focus on Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a deep sense of need for Allah's protection. Focus on the meaning of each phrase as you utter it. Imagine seeking refuge in Allah from these specific afflictions. The intention is to purify your worship and ensure your prayers are meaningful and effective. This is best recited in a quiet, contemplative state, such as during the sitting portion of the prayer.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua helps purify our worship by seeking refuge from distractions and ineffective states. It emphasizes the importance of beneficial knowledge, a humble and focused heart, contentment in our desires, and earnest supplication. By asking Allah to protect us from these four things, we are essentially asking for the tools to make our prayers and our lives more pleasing to Him. It fosters humility and a constant reliance on Allah for spiritual well-being.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zaid bin Arqam that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to 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 feel humble, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.)