أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.
A'udhu billahi minash-Shaytanir-rajim
When to Read
When you find Shaytan interfering with your prayer, causing doubts, distractions, or whispering thoughts that pull your focus away from Allah. This might manifest as confusion about your *rak'ahs*, questioning your recitation, or simply an overwhelming inability to concentrate on your prayer.
How to Read
Upon feeling the *waswas*, lightly turn your head slightly to your left and make a very light 'puff' or 'spit' sound (without expelling actual saliva) three times. Concurrently or immediately after, firmly say 'A'udhu billahi minash-Shaytanir-rajim' (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan). This act is a symbolic gesture of disdain towards Shaytan's whispers, combined with a sincere invocation for Allah's protection.
Virtues & Benefits
The companion Uthman ibn Abi al-'As (may Allah be pleased with him) reported doing this and said, 'I did that, and Allah removed him from me.' This guidance from the Prophet ﷺ provides a practical and effective way to repel the Shaytan's attempts to disrupt our devotion, allowing us to regain focus, attain *khushu'* (humility and concentration), and strengthen our connection with Allah during prayer.
Source & Authentication
Uthman ibn Abi al-'As (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, the Shaytan interferes between me and my prayer and my recitation, and he confuses me." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "That is a Shaytan called Khanzab. When you feel that, seek refuge in Allah from him and spit lightly three times to your left." He said, "I did that, and Allah removed him from me." > **Arabic:** جَاءَ عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي الْعَاصِ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ قَدْ حَالَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ صَلاَتِي وَقِرَاءَتِي يَلْبِسُهَا عَلَىَّ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " ذَاكَ شَيْطَانٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ خَنْزَبٌ فَإِذَا أَحْسَسْتَهُ فَتَعَوَّذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنْهُ وَاتْفِلْ عَلَى يَسَارِكَ ثَلاَثًا " . قَالَ فَفَعَلْتُ ذَلِكَ فَأَذْهَبَهُ اللَّهُ عَنِّي . > > — Sahih Muslim 2203a