أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His servants, and from the temptations of devils and their [evil] presence.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatis-shayateeni wa an yahdurun
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial to recite before sleeping. As night falls and our guard might lower, the whispers of Shaytan can feel more potent. Reciting this, especially after witnessing something unsettling or feeling a sense of unease, is a powerful act of seeking Allah's divine protection against intrusive thoughts and malicious suggestions that can disrupt our peace.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and firm belief in Allah's power to protect. It's recommended to recite it three times before sleeping, as is the practice of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for seeking refuge. Picture yourself enveloped by Allah's perfect words, a shield against any ill whispers or harmful suggestions.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection. By seeking refuge in Allah's 'perfect words' (Al-Bukhari 7/146), we are invoking a divine safeguard. It shields us from Allah's potential displeasure and punishment, from the general wickedness of mankind, and most crucially for nighttime, from the insidious whispers (hamazat) and presence of devils (shayateen). This is a powerful shield against anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and disturbing dreams.
Source & Authentication
ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Whoever says three times in the morning: > أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ > *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,' nothing will harm him until evening comes. If he says it in the evening, nothing will harm him until morning comes. And he (the narrator) was among those who were teaching this hadith, and he (one of the transmitters) reported that Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) had said: 'My father reported to me from my grandfather that he heard the Prophet ﷺ say this.' And 'Abdullah ibn Khubayb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me: 'O 'Abdullah ibn Khubayb, recite these words morning and evening: > قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ وَالْمُعَوِّذَتَيْنِ حِينَ تُمْسِي وَحِينَ تُصْبِحُ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ تَكْفِيكَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ > *Qul Huwallahu Ahad* (Surah Al-Ikhlas) and the two *Mu'awwidhatayn* (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night, reciting each one three times. They will suffice you from everything.' And the hadith narrated by Abu Dawud includes: > أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ > *A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatis-shayateeni wa an yahdurun* > 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His servants, and from the temptations of devils and their [evil] presence.' This hadith is found in Sahih Muslim, Book 39, Hadith 5680 (2710). The portion relevant to this entry is the latter part of the hadith, specifically concerning seeking refuge from the whispers of devils and their presence. The first part of the hadith is also highly beneficial and often recited together.