مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
Whatever Allah wills, there is no power but in Allah.
Maa shaa Allahu laa quwwata illaa billah
When to Read
When you wear new clothes, drive a new car, buy a new gadget, or use any new item that might attract the envious gaze of others. It's a way to acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah and to seek His protection from any ill will or harm that might be directed your way.
How to Read
Recite this beautiful and concise dua with sincerity and conviction. Understand that it's not just words, but a declaration of reliance on Allah. When you see something that impresses you, whether it's your own new possession or someone else's, and you fear the evil eye might be cast, say this. It's a humble acknowledgment that true power and blessings flow only from the Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a shield against the evil eye (al-'ayn) and envy (hasad). By attributing all blessings and power to Allah, you neutralize any potential harm from the envious gaze. It serves as a reminder that even the most beautiful or impressive things are blessings from Allah, and seeking His protection is paramount. It also fosters humility, preventing arrogance that might come with new possessions.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us a powerful way to ward off the evil eye when admiring something, whether it belongs to us or someone else. He said that if one of you sees something from his brother that impresses him, he should invoke blessings for him. If he says: 'Maa shaa Allahu laa quwwata illaa billah' (Whatever Allah wills, there is no power but in Allah), it will ward off the evil eye from him. (Narrated by Ibn Majah, and graded Hasan by scholars). This hadith highlights the profound spiritual mechanism of acknowledging Allah's will as the ultimate source of all good, thereby deflecting potential harm.