بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا
In the name of Allah. O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what is within it, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what is within it.
Bismillah, Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ahliha wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha.
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when starting something new, especially a skill that requires focus and effort. Whether you're beginning a new course, learning a musical instrument, or developing a craft, reciting this upon starting or entering a space associated with that skill can invoke Allah's protection. It's a way to acknowledge that all blessings and successes come from Him, and to seek His shield against any envy or ill will that might hinder progress.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction. Begin with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) to invoke His blessings on your endeavor. Speak the words clearly, focusing on the meaning of seeking the best and warding off the worst. It can be recited before you begin your learning session, or when you encounter something related to the skill that might be a source of potential envy or negativity.
Virtues & Benefits
This prayer encapsulates a comprehensive request for good and seeking refuge from evil. By invoking Allah's name, we acknowledge His sovereignty over all matters. Asking for the 'goodness of its owner' and 'its goodness' extends protection not just to the skill itself, but also to the resources, people, and environment associated with it. Seeking refuge ('a'udhu bika') is a profound act of reliance on Allah, recognizing that true protection comes only from Him, especially against the unseen harms like the evil eye which can manifest as hindering progress or causing difficulty in learning.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'When one of you looks at something belonging to his brother which pleases him, he should invoke blessings for him (barakallahu lak), for the evil eye is a reality.' (Narrated by Ibn Majah, authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Ibn Majah, no. 3504). While the above dua is specifically for entering a house/place, its principle of seeking good and refuge applies broadly to new endeavors, and the general advice for dealing with the evil eye includes seeking refuge in Allah and reciting His name. For direct application to new ventures and warding off negative influence, another relevant hadith: 'Uthman b. Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'He who says three times every morning and evening: 'Bismillah illadi la yadhurru ma'a ismihi shai'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i wa huwa As-Sami'ul-'Alim' (In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing can cause harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing), nothing will harm him.' (Sahih Abu Dawud 5087). This general supplication for protection can also be recited regularly.