بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ
In the name of Allah, I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of myself and from the evil of Satan and his polytheism.
Bismillāh, a'ūdhu billāhi min sharri nafsī wa min sharri sh-shayṭāni wa shirkih
When to Read
When you notice positive changes in yourself – perhaps you're becoming more productive, more disciplined in your worship, or more patient – it's natural to feel a sense of accomplishment. However, this is precisely when the potential for the evil eye (al-'ayn) or envy (hasad) can increase, either from others or even from within ourselves. Recite this dua as a proactive measure when embarking on or experiencing significant personal growth to safeguard your blessings and maintain sincerity.
How to Read
This dua is typically recited when waking up in the morning or before undertaking any significant task. It involves a deep sincerity of heart, a firm reliance on Allah, and the intention to seek His protection. You can say it silently to yourself or aloud, preferably when you are alone and can focus on the meaning. Place your hand over your heart as you recite it, connecting your intention with your core being.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication offers protection from various forms of internal and external harm. By seeking refuge in Allah's name, we acknowledge His ultimate power. Asking for protection from the 'evil of myself' helps guard against arrogance or pride that can accompany personal success. Shielding ourselves from 'the evil of Satan' is crucial, as he often exploits moments of achievement to sow discord or temptation. Finally, seeking refuge from 'his polytheism' encompasses protection from any form of associating partners with Allah, whether overt or subtle, especially if others' praise leads to a misplaced sense of self-sufficiency. Safeguarding oneself from the evil eye is a key aspect of this protection, ensuring that blessings remain intact.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach us supplications to ward off evil, just as he used to teach us a Surah of the Qur'an. He would say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in Your perfect words from the evil of what You have created.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5083 - Though the primary hadith focuses on protection from creation's evil, scholars often link the broader concept of seeking refuge in Allah from all evil, including internal and satanic influences, to this foundational practice. A more direct hadith on internal and external evil is the following, which this entry focuses on). Narrated 'Uthman bin 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: 'Whoever says Bismillahilladhi la yadhurru ma'asmihi shay'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i wa huwas-Samee'ul-'Aleem, three times, then he will not be afflicted by sudden calamity until the morning. And whoever says it in the morning three times, then he will not be afflicted by sudden calamity until the evening.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5082 - Hasan). The supplication in *this entry* is a broader statement of seeking refuge from oneself and Satan, pertinent when personal growth might attract negative energies or internal pride.