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 for anyone troubled by nightmares or disturbing dreams. It's best recited before sleeping, especially if you've had bad dreams previously or are prone to them. You can also say it as soon as you wake up from a bad dream, before speaking to anyone.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, believing that Allah's perfect words are a shield against all evil. It is recommended to blow gently onto yourself after reciting it (though this specific point isn't in the immediate wording, it's a general practice for seeking protection). Facing the qiblah is not necessary for this dua; sincerity of the heart is key.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication draws upon the complete and perfect nature of Allah's words as a means of protection. By seeking refuge in them, we acknowledge Allah's ultimate power over all creation and ask for His safeguarding from anything that could cause harm or distress, including negative thoughts and experiences manifesting as bad dreams. It's a way to reaffirm our reliance on Allah and find peace of mind before resting.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said, 'When any one of you wakes up from sleep and then returns to sleep again, he should dust his bed three times with the inner side of his lower garment (he slept in), and he should sweep it, and then say: 'Bismillah (I begin with the name of Allah). I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the bed, and from the evil of the male devil and the female devil. And when he lies down, he should say: 'Allahumma (O Allah), I lay down my side, and by Your leave I shall rise again. If You take my soul at the time of death, forgive it, and if You let it live, guard it with what You guard Your righteous slaves with.' And when he wakes up he should say: 'Al-hamdulillah alladhi 'All the praise is due to Allah Who restored me to life, and I did not die.' And when he goes to the privy, he should say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-khubuthi wa'l-khaba'ith (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil ones, male and female).' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6320). Another related narration: 'A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Last night I was bitten by a scorpion.' He said, 'If you had said, when you entered upon the evening: 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 it would not have harmed you.' (Sahih Muslim 2708).