اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا 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 not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.
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 ideally recited during the supplication (du'a) portion of the prayer, particularly during sujood (prostration) when one is closest to Allah. It's also beneficial to make this invocation at other times, seeking Allah's protection from these negative states, especially when preparing for prayer to ensure a more focused and humble experience.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase as you utter it. Visualize yourself seeking Allah's refuge from these detrimental states. Ideally, this dua is made during sujood, but it can be recited at any point during the prayer where one makes du'a, or even outside of prayer as a general supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from knowledge that doesn't benefit protects us from wasting time and effort on things that do not bring us closer to Him or benefit the Ummah. Praying against a heart that does not fear Him is crucial, as true Khushu' (humility and concentration) stems from recognizing Allah's greatness and might. Protection from a soul that is never satisfied keeps us from greed and worldly attachments that distract from our worship. Finally, asking that our supplications be heard ensures that our prayers are accepted and answered. This entire dua aims to purify our inner state and outward actions during prayer, making it a more meaningful connection with our Creator.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge (in Allah) from four things, saying: '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 not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.' (Sahih Muslim 2722)