أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
When to Read
This powerful dua is for anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they feel fear or apprehension from an animal, be it a common creature like a snake or scorpion, or something larger and more intimidating. It’s also beneficial for general protection against the harmful effects of creatures we might encounter in our daily lives.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere conviction, focusing on Allah’s power and protection. It’s recommended to recite it three times for amplified benefit, as is the practice with many protective duas. Imagine Allah's divine words enveloping you and shielding you from any harm. It is to be recited when the fear arises, or proactively as a means of seeking protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses comprehensive protection. By seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words, we acknowledge His absolute power over all creation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specifically for protection against harmful things, and it is a means of invoking Allah’s divine shield. When we recite this, we are actively engaging in spiritual defense, trusting that Allah’s words are a potent barrier against all forms of evil originating from His creation.
Source & Authentication
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! I was stung by a scorpion last night.” He said: “If you had said, when evening came, ‘أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ’ (I seek refuge in the words of Allah, the perfect, from the evil of what He created), it would not have harmed you.” And Abu Dawud’s version has: “It would not have mattered what it was that bit him that night.”