اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You as a partner knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I associate with You unknowingly.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an ushrika bika shai'an wa ana a'lamu, wa astaghfiruka lima la a'lamu
When to Read
This is a profound dua that should be made regularly, especially after prayers. The fear of shirk, the gravest of sins, is a constant concern for a believer. Making this dua ensures we are actively seeking Allah's protection against even the most subtle forms of association, whether conscious or unconscious, safeguarding our Tawhid (Oneness of Allah).
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and heartfelt submission. Understand that even seemingly small acts can lean towards shirk if not purified. Seek refuge in Allah with full conviction, knowing that He alone has the power to protect us. It's best recited after completing your obligatory prayers, as that is a time when supplications are more likely to be accepted.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a powerful shield against the hidden shirk that can creep into our hearts. By seeking Allah's protection, we are affirming our commitment to pure Tawhid. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specific wording, highlighting its importance. It acknowledges our fallibility and our need for Allah's constant guidance and safeguarding, ensuring our worship remains solely for Him.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me a supplication I can say in my prayers. He said: Say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from Yourself, and have mercy upon me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (Another version narrated by Abu Mu'awiyah added: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an ushrika bika shai'an wa ana a'lamu, wa astaghfiruka lima la a'lamu - O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You as a partner knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I associate with You unknowingly.)' - Sahih Muslim 2705. The specific wording for seeking protection from shirk is found in other narrations of the same context, for example, as mentioned in the context of the Prophet's ﷺ own supplications.