اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَدَى، وَالتُّقَى، وَالْعَفَافِ، وَالْغِنَى.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from misguidance, from ignorance, from refraining from evil, and from poverty.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-'afafi, wal-ghina.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is recommended to be recited in the evening, as part of our remembrance of Allah (dhikr) before we settle down for the night. It’s a way to consciously seek Allah's protection as we transition from the day's activities to the quiet of the night, asking Him to keep our hearts and minds firm on the right path.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction. Imagine yourself asking the Almighty, who controls all affairs, for His divine protection. There's no specific number mandated, but reciting it once with full presence is meaningful. Pay attention to the meaning of each word: seeking refuge from misguidance (falling into error in belief or action), ignorance (lack of knowledge of what's right), impurity or temptation (being tempted by what is unlawful or impure), and neediness (dependence on others and lack of self-sufficiency).
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah like this is a sign of tawakkul (reliance on Allah) and acknowledging our own limitations. By asking for guidance (huda) and piety (tuqa), we are asking Allah to keep us on the straight path and to instill in us fear of Him, which prevents us from sin. Asking for 'afaf (chastity/purity) means seeking protection from temptations and unlawful desires, while 'ghina' (richness/contentiousness) means seeking contentment and freedom from neediness, which can often lead to disgrace or compromise. This dua is a comprehensive shield against spiritual, moral, and material pitfalls, especially important as we enter the night, a time when one might be more prone to forgetfulness or distraction.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.) And he would seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what he had done. It was also narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-wahimi wal-ghayyi, wa a'udhu bika min al-Huda, wat-tuqa, wal-'afafi, wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from suspicion and error, and I seek refuge in You from misguidance, ignorance, refraining from evil, and poverty.) [Sahih Muslim 2721]. The version provided in the main entry is the one pertaining to seeking refuge, which is directly related to protection. The first part of the hadith mentioned here is a request for those qualities, which is also a form of seeking Allah's favor and protection by asking for the means to stay righteous.