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 primarily known for its recitation in the **evening**, providing protection until the morning. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that if you recite this as you enter the evening, nothing will harm you until you wake up. Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ also advised reciting this dua whenever you **stop at a new place** (e.g., during travel, camping, or simply resting somewhere) to seek Allah's protection until you depart from that spot (Sahih Muslim 2709).
How to Read
Recite this dua once, with full presence of mind and certainty in Allah's protective power. You can say it silently or audibly. The essence is to sincerely seek refuge in Allah's perfect and complete words, acknowledging that only He can protect you from all forms of evil. Make sure your heart is present and trusting in His safeguarding.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of this dua is **comprehensive protection from all forms of harm** from Allah's creation. If recited in the evening, it guarantees safeguard from any evil until the morning, as indicated by the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih Muslim 2708a). This protection encompasses physical harms (like bites from venomous creatures, as mentioned in the hadith about the scorpion) as well as unseen evils and dangers from jinn or other mischievous creation. Reciting it upon stopping at a place also protects you from harm until you leave that location (Sahih Muslim 2709). It instills a deep sense of tranquility and reliance upon Allah, knowing you are under His perfect care.
Source & Authentication
A man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I was stung by a scorpion last night.' He ﷺ said, 'If you had said, when you woke up in the evening: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq) nothing would have harmed you.'