أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited upon entering any dwelling, whether it is your own home, a hotel room, or even a temporary shelter. By invoking Allah's perfect words, you are seeking His divine protection for yourself and your family from all forms of harm, specifically including the dangers of fire and excessive heat, and indeed, any evil that Allah has created.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction. It is a beautiful supplication that acknowledges Allah's absolute power and sufficiency. The act of seeking refuge in His perfect words is a profound recognition of His protection encompassing all creation. It is best recited as you are about to enter or immediately upon crossing the threshold of a home.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is comprehensive in its scope. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that reciting this upon descending at a resting place (manzil) offers protection. Imam Al-Nawawi explained that 'perfect words of Allah' refers to the Quran and all His perfect words that are not subject to change or flaw. Therefore, seeking refuge in them is seeking refuge in Allah Himself and His divine decree, which guards against all types of evil, including the pervasive and destructive nature of fire and intense heat.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what a night I had last night!' The Prophet ﷺ asked: 'What happened?' He said: 'My house was burned down.' Upon hearing this, the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Indeed, the dwelling place (manzil) is protected by a prayer. When one of you descends at a resting place, let him say: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created), for then nothing will harm him until he moves from that resting place.' (Sahih Muslim 2708)