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 part of our recommended evening remembrance (adhkar). The Prophet ﷺ taught us to recite it when we 'enter the evening' — typically after Asr or Maghrib prayers, and especially before going to sleep. It provides a spiritual shield for the entire night, protecting us until the morning.
How to Read
Recite this dua thoughtfully, three times, as part of your evening remembrance. As you say it, internalize its meaning: you are placing your complete trust in Allah's perfect and complete words – His decree, His power, His attributes – to safeguard you from *all* forms of creation that could bring harm. This includes physical dangers, spiritual afflictions, and psychological distress like intrusive thoughts or waswas (whispers). Say it with conviction, truly believing in Allah's boundless ability to protect you.
Virtues & Benefits
This concise invocation offers comprehensive protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us its power, as reported by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! I was stung by a scorpion last night.' The Prophet ﷺ said, 'If you had said, when you entered the evening, 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,' it would not have harmed you.' (Sahih Muslim 2708b). This promise of protection extends to all forms of evil, visible and invisible. It can shield you from the whispers of Shaytan (waswas), which often become more prevalent during moments of solitude or before sleep. By entrusting yourself to Allah's perfect words, you build a fortress against intrusive, harmful thoughts and fears that disturb your peace. Reciting this allows for a restful night free from anxiety, dread, and disturbing thoughts, affirming your complete reliance on Allah's protection.
Source & Authentication
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا لَقِيتُ مِنْ عَقْرَبٍ لَدَغَتْنِي الْبَارِحَةَ . قَالَ " أَمَا لَوْ قُلْتَ حِينَ أَمْسَيْتَ أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ لَمْ تَضُرَّكَ " Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, "O Messenger of Allah! I was stung by a scorpion last night." The Prophet ﷺ said, "If you had said, when you entered the evening, 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,' it would not have harmed you." — Sahih Muslim 2708b