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's a beautiful way to seek Allah's protection as night falls, safeguarding ourselves from harmful speech and the general evils that might be prevalent during that time. It's part of the evening remembrance (Adhkar المساء).
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction. Focus on the meaning as you utter the words, truly asking Allah to shield you. It is generally recited three times in the evening, just as the Prophet ﷺ taught us for similar protective duas.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a shield against all sorts of harm, including the evils stemming from the tongue – backbiting, slander, gossip, and hurtful words. By seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words, we acknowledge His ultimate power over all creation and ask for His divine protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly stated the immense benefit of this dua: 'Whoever says this three times in the evening will be protected from all afflictions until morning, and whoever says it three times in the morning will be protected from all afflictions until evening.' (Sahih Muslim 2708). This protection extends beyond physical harm to encompass spiritual and verbal evils.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever says 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa' (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created) when he stops to rest during the night or in the day, it will not harm him, and nothing will harm him until he gives up reciting it.' (Sahih Muslim 2708). Another narration states: 'He who says: 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatis-shayatini wa an yahduruni' (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants, and from the evil suggestions of the devils, and from their presence) will not be harmed.' (Sahih Abu Dawud 3892, Sahih At-Tirmidhi 3494). The version cited here, focusing on 'sharri ma khalaqa' (evil of what He has created), is also established for morning and evening protection.