بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ اعْصِمْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي، وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي، وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي
In the name of Allah. O Allah, protect me from before me and from behind me, from my right and from my left, and from above me. And I seek refuge in Your greatness lest I be taken from beneath me.
Bismillah, Allahumma 'ismani min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi, wa 'an yameeni wa 'an shimalee, wa min fawqi, wa a'udhu bi'adhamatika an ughtala min tahti.
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication is excellent for general protection. It can be recited when starting any endeavor where you seek Allah's blessings and protection, including studying, memorizing, or teaching knowledge. Recite it before you begin a study session, before an exam, or when you feel a need to safeguard the understanding Allah has granted you.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and certainty in Allah's power to protect. Focus on each phrase, understanding its meaning and asking Allah to grant you that specific protection. It can be recited at any time, but it's particularly beneficial to say it before engaging with your studies or when you sense any spiritual or worldly harm.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a powerful shield against all forms of harm, whether visible or hidden. By seeking refuge in Allah's magnificence, we acknowledge His ultimate power over all creation. This protection extends to safeguarding our intellect and the knowledge we acquire, preventing it from being corrupted or lost due to envy or ill will (evil eye).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would teach his companions to say these words as a protection: 'Bismillah, Allahumma 'ismani min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi, wa 'an yameeni wa 'an shimalee, wa min fawqi, wa a'udhu bi'adhamatika an ughtala min tahti.' (In the name of Allah. O Allah, protect me from before me and from behind me, from my right and from my left, and from above me. And I seek refuge in Your greatness lest I be taken from beneath me.) - Sunan Abu Dawud 5071. The narrator, Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), used to explain that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would not pass a night without reciting these words.