أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan.
A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim
When to Read
Recite this when you experience intrusive doubts (waswas) or confusion during your prayer, especially regarding the number of rak'ahs, actions, or overall concentration. This specific instruction was given by the Prophet ﷺ for Shaytan's interference during Salah.
How to Read
When you feel Shaytan's whispers attempting to confuse you during prayer, say 'A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim' (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan) and then lightly spit (a puff of air, without actual saliva) to your left three times. This is done while maintaining your prayer position and concentration as much as possible.
Virtues & Benefits
This practice, taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is a powerful spiritual remedy against Shaytan's efforts to disrupt your prayer. By seeking Allah's refuge and performing this symbolic action, you invoke divine protection against the specific devil named Khanzab, who specializes in causing confusion during Salah. Following this Sunnah helps restore focus, tranquility, and certainty to your worship, as attested by the companion who experienced its effectiveness.
Source & Authentication
Uthman ibn Abul-'As (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, Shaytan intervenes between me and my prayer and my recitation, and confuses me." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "That is a devil called Khanzab. If you feel him, seek refuge with Allah from him, and spit lightly to your left three times." He said, "I did that, and Allah removed him from me." — Sahih Muslim 2203