بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ النَّفْسِ وَشَرِّ الْحَسَدِ
In the name of Allah, I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the self and the evil of envy.
Bismillah, a'udhu billahi min sharri an-nafs wa sharri al-hasad.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you sense negativity or overly critical comments directed towards you, especially if you suspect it stems from envy or the evil eye. It's also a good practice to recite it regularly as a general protection, or when you find yourself feeling insecure or attacked by others' words or thoughts.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning and trusting in Allah's protection. You can recite it once or multiple times, especially when facing a situation where you feel vulnerable to the evil eye. It's a private supplication, so you can whisper it or say it audibly to yourself.
Virtues & Benefits
This concise dua directly addresses seeking refuge from two potent sources of harm: the 'evil of the self' (which can encompass one's own negative inclinations or even a subtle, unconscious envy) and the 'evil of envy' (the malevolent intent of others). By invoking Allah's name and seeking His protection, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and actively ward off potential harm caused by the envious gaze. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself sought refuge in Allah, teaching us the importance of this active supplication.
Source & Authentication
A similar theme of seeking refuge is found in Sahih Muslim 2710, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught specific supplications for seeking refuge. While this exact phrasing isn't a direct hadith, it encapsulates the essence of seeking refuge from envy and negative self-influences, which is a well-established Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ also taught: 'When one of you sees something from his brother, or from himself, or from his wealth that he likes, let him invoke Allah's blessings for it. Verily, the evil eye is real.' (Sahih Muslim 2144). This highlights the reality of the evil eye and the need for proactive seeking of refuge.