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 in the evening. It is part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to seek Allah's protection as night falls, safeguarding ourselves against unseen evils, including sorcery (sihr) and the malicious envy (hasad) of others.
How to Read
Recite this dua three times in the evening. It's best to do so after completing your Maghrib prayers or as you prepare for rest. You can say it while holding your hands out, as the Prophet ﷺ used to do for similar duas, and then gently blow onto your hands and wipe them over your body. This act of seeking refuge is a sincere plea to Allah, trusting in His ultimate power and protection.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua offers comprehensive protection from all kinds of created evils. The 'perfect words of Allah' encompass His divine decree and attributes, which are without flaw or deficiency. By seeking refuge in them, a Muslim acknowledges Allah's absolute sovereignty and His ability to shield them from harm, whether it be the direct effects of sorcery, the ill will stemming from envy, or any other hidden dangers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself taught this dua as a potent shield, promising that 'no one will be harmed by it' (Sahih Muslim 2708).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever says, ‘A’udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq’ (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created), then no harm will come to him until he leaves his resting place.' Sahih Muslim 2708. It is also narrated that the Prophet ﷺ would say this in the evening. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi, who said it is Hasan Gharib. His version also includes: 'He would recite it three times.')