أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَبِسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ. (بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ، أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ، أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ، أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ. بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ.)
I seek refuge in Allah the Magnificent, and by His Noble Face, and by His Eternal Authority from the Satan the outcast. (In the name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or causing others to slip, from wronging others or being wronged, from acting foolishly or being treated foolishly. In the name of Allah and all praise is for Allah. Glory be to Allah and blessed is Your name, and there is no deity but You. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.)
*A'udhu billahil-'Adheem, wa bi-wajhihil-Kareem, wa bi-sultanihil-Qadeem minash-Shaytanir-Rajeem. (Bismillah was-salatu was-salamu 'ala Rasulillah. A'udhu billahi an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw adhlima aw udhlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala 'alayya. Bismillah wal-hamdu lillah, subhanakallahumma wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk, Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik.)*
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is recited upon entering the Masjid, before engaging in any other activity within its walls. It's a powerful way to seek divine protection as you step into a sacred space, shielding yourself from negative influences, whispers of doubt, and harmful intentions that might arise from within or without.
How to Read
As you approach the entrance of the Masjid, pause for a moment. Begin by reciting the first part, seeking refuge in Allah. Then, as you step across the threshold with your right foot, continue with the supplication, which includes invoking blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and asking for protection against going astray, making mistakes, and being treated unjustly. The final part, invoking Allah's mercy, is a beautiful way to start your spiritual journey inside the house of Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua upon entering the Masjid is a Sunnah practice that offers profound protection. It shields the believer from the mischief of Satan, the source of all evil. By seeking refuge in Allah's magnificent attributes and eternal authority, we are guarded against spiritual and physical harm. The dua also seeks protection from being led astray or causing others to go astray, ensuring our intentions and actions within the Masjid are pure and righteous. It calls for protection against mistakes, both intentional and unintentional, and guards against injustice. Ultimately, it opens the doors to Allah's mercy, setting a tone of devotion and spiritual connection as you enter the sacred space.
Source & Authentication
Sunan Abi Dawud 466: Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr: When the Prophet (ﷺ) entered the mosque, he would say: 'I seek refuge in Allah the Magnificent, and by His Noble Face, and by His Eternal Authority from the Satan the outcast. (Then he would say): In the name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.' And when he went out, he would say: 'In the name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me what I need concerning you and what I need concerning me. O Allah, grant me provision and save me from the punishment of the Fire.' (This hadith is classified as Hasan by Al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud).