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 profound supplication is a core part of the **evening adhkār (remembrances)**. While not directly tied to the Isha prayer itself, it's a powerful invocation that Muslims are encouraged to recite in the evening, which naturally includes the period around the Isha prayer. It's ideal to recite it once as the day transitions into night, from after Asr until just before you sleep, to ensure protection throughout the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Reflect on its deep meaning: you are placing your complete trust in Allah's flawless and perfect words, seeking His refuge from *all* forms of evil that He has brought into existence. Understanding that you are seeking protection from the Creator of all things, both seen and unseen, will enhance the impact of your recitation.
Virtues & Benefits
The immense benefit of this dua is **comprehensive protection from all harm** throughout the entire night. The Prophet ﷺ taught its importance when a man came to him, saying he had been stung by a scorpion the previous night. The Prophet ﷺ responded, 'If you had said, when evening comes, 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,' it would not have harmed you.' (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3604, Hasan Sahih). This protection extends to dangers from jinn, humans, animals, calamities, and any other created evil, granting the reciter immense peace of mind and security until morning.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of Allah! I was stung by a scorpion last night.' He ﷺ said: 'If you had said, when evening comes, 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,' it would not have harmed you.'