اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma', Allahumma inni as'alukal huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you feel apprehension before public speaking, delivering a presentation, or addressing a group. Recite it sincerely before you need to speak, perhaps after Fajr prayer or just before you are about to go on stage or begin your talk. It's also beneficial to make it a regular part of your supplications if public speaking is a significant part of your life or work.
How to Read
Recite with sincere intention, focusing on seeking Allah's help and protection. Understand the meaning of each phrase and feel the humility in asking Allah for guidance and protection from useless knowledge, a hardened heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers – all of which can contribute to a lack of confidence and clarity. Raising your hands can be a sign of earnest supplication, though it's not a strict requirement for this specific dua.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua addresses several internal struggles that often fuel the fear of public speaking: lack of beneficial knowledge (leading to uncertainty), a heart lacking awe of Allah (leading to worldly distractions), an unsatisfied soul (leading to anxiety about acceptance), and unanswered prayers (leading to doubt). By seeking refuge from these, and asking for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment, you are essentially asking Allah to equip you with the inner strength, clarity, and peace of mind needed to face your fear. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua, highlighting its comprehensive nature in seeking goodness and protection from various forms of harm, both internal and external.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'." Then he said: "Allahumma inni as'alukal huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina." Translation: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered." Then he said: "O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency." — Sahih Muslim 2722