اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا بَطَنَ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا ظَهَرَ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what is hidden and from the evil of what is apparent.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri ma batan wa min sharri ma dhahar
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited during the prayer, particularly after the Tashahhud and before the Tasleem (final salutations). It's a moment when we are closest to Allah, making our supplications particularly potent. We can also make this dua outside of prayer as a general supplication for protection.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a conscious understanding of its meaning. Focus your heart on seeking Allah's protection from all forms of hidden and apparent evil. Ensure your prayer is performed with focus (khushu'), and make this supplication a sincere plea to your Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for divine protection. 'Ma batan' (what is hidden) refers to internal evils like hidden desires, doubts, hypocrisy, or intentions that are not outwardly visible. 'Ma dhahar' (what is apparent) refers to external evils, such as sins committed openly, harmful actions, or visible afflictions. By seeking refuge in Allah from both, we acknowledge His complete dominion and our utter dependence on His protection. This dua helps purify our intentions and actions, fostering a deeper connection with Allah and a greater awareness of our spiritual state.
Source & Authentication
A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to supplicate in his prayer: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and the trial of death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and debt.' Someone said to him: 'How much you seek refuge from debt!' He said: 'Indeed, the man who is in debt is one who speaks falsehood and breaks his promise, when he is in hardship.' And he (peace be upon him) used to supplicate in his prayer: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I do and from the evil of what I do not do.' (Sahih Muslim 2708) In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what is hidden and from the evil of what is apparent.' (Sahih Muslim 2708)