اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ مُنْكَرَاتِ الأَخْلاَقِ، وَالأَعْمَالِ، وَالأَهْوَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of objectionable morals, deeds, and desires.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min munkaratil akhlaqi wal a'mali wal ahwa'
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically recommended by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to be recited during prayer (salat). It is a profound supplication to seek Allah's protection from falling into morally reprehensible actions, wrongdoings, and even harmful desires, all while standing before Him in worship. Recite it during your prostration (sujood) or in the Tashahhud before the final Tasleem.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of seeking refuge in Allah from negative influences on your character and actions. Ensure you are in a state of purity (wudu) as you are inside your prayer. The Prophet ﷺ would often seek refuge in Allah from various evils, and this dua is a beautiful example of that proactive seeking of divine protection.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from objectionable morals, deeds, and desires is crucial for maintaining the purity and acceptance of our worship. By reciting this dua, we acknowledge our own weakness and dependence on Allah for guidance and steadfastness. It helps protect our prayer from being marred by inner distractions or the temptation to commit acts that displease Allah, thereby enhancing the quality and spiritual benefit of our salah. Imam At-Tirmidhi graded this hadith as Hasan.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would supplicate: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min munkaratil akhlaqi wal a'mali wal ahwa'. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of objectionable morals, deeds, and desires).