أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَبِسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ. اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ.
I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, in His Noble Face, and in His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
A'udhu billahil 'adheem, wa biwajhihil kareem, wa bi-sultanihil qadeem, minash-shaytanir-rajeem. Allahumma-ftah lee abwaba rahmatik.
When to Read
This dua is recited when entering the Masjid. It serves as a spiritual shield, seeking Allah's protection not only from Satan's whispers but also from broader calamities as you step into a place of divine presence and peace. It's an act of submission and a request for divine guardianship as you begin your worship.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus as you approach and cross the threshold of the Masjid. Begin with the intention of seeking refuge in Allah. It is recommended to enter with the right foot first, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, while reciting this supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua combines seeking refuge from the immediate spiritual adversary, Satan, with an opening to Allah's boundless mercy. By invoking Allah's Greatness, Noble Face, and Eternal Dominion, we acknowledge His supreme power and seek His safeguarding presence. Entering the Masjid with this supplication is a way to ensure your worship is protected from distractions and negativity, and to invite Allah's blessings and acceptance of your prayers and deeds within His House.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Fatimah bint Qays that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up to pray and said: 'Invoke Allah as a supplicant for protection against the accursed Satan, and you might say: A'udhu billahil 'adheem, wa biwajhihil kareem, wa bi-sultanihil qadeem, minash-shaytanir-rajeem. (I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, and by His Noble Face, and by His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan.) Then he said: '...when anyone of you prays, let him say: O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things, You are the outward and You are the inward. I seek refuge in You from evil. Let him not say: O Allah, let me have the good of what is in this world and the good of what is in the Hereafter, and protect me from the punishment of the Fire.' - Sunan Ibn Majah 771. The part quoted in the entry is the specific dua for entering the Masjid, as understood from other narrations and scholarly explanations of the etiquette of entering the mosque.