بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي وَشَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ وَأَنْ أَقْتَرِفَ عَلَى نَفْسِي سُوءًا أَوْ أَجُرَّهُ إِلَى مُسْلِمٍ
In the name of Allah, I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of myself, and from the evil of Satan and his ensnarement, and from committing evil against myself or drawing a Muslim into it.
Bismillah, a'udhu billahi min sharri nafsi wa sharri-sh-shaytani wa shirkih, wa an aqtarifa 'ala nafsi su'an aw ajurruhu ila muslim.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is particularly relevant when we feel the sting of judgment or negative pronouncements from others. It's for those moments when someone's words or gaze feel heavy, perhaps laced with envy or disapproval, and we sense it might negatively impact us or even another Muslim. Recite it when you feel a sense of unease from how others perceive or speak about you or a situation.
How to Read
Begin by sincerely invoking the name of Allah (Bismillah). Then, recite the dua with conviction, focusing on the meaning and the plea for divine protection. It's a personal supplication, so say it with the understanding that Allah is the ultimate protector against all forms of harm, including the spiritual and psychological impact of negative judgment.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection. It guards against our own inner shortcomings and temptations (the evil of ourselves), seeks refuge from the whisperings and traps of Satan, and crucially, protects us from becoming a source of harm to ourselves or others, or being harmed by others' negative actions and judgments. It fosters a sense of inner peace by turning to the Most High when faced with external negativity.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught this supplication to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked him for words to recite in the morning and evening. The full hadith context highlights its broad protective scope for daily life. (Sunan Abi Dawud 5080, graded Hasan by some scholars due to corroborating narrations).