اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الأَعْدَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the decline of Your blessings, the reversal of Your protection, the suddenness of Your wrath, and all that displeases You. And I seek refuge in You from the hardships of affliction, the attainment of misery, the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa fuj'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik, wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, especially when feeling overwhelmed by worldly worries, anxieties about how others perceive us, or the potential for hardship and misfortune. It's particularly relevant when one's reputation is being unfairly attacked or when facing situations that could lead to public shame. Reciting it in the morning and evening (as is the sunnah for many duas) offers a consistent shield.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and full reliance on Allah. It is best to raise your hands as you make the dua, a sign of earnest supplication. Understand the meaning of each phrase and reflect on Allah's power to protect you from all forms of harm, including the sting of a bad reputation and the judgment of others. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often repeat certain duas, so consider reciting this multiple times.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication encapsulates seeking refuge from various calamities, including the 'rejoicing of enemies' (shamatatil-a'da'). This can directly apply to situations where a person's bad reputation leads to others speaking ill of them or taking pleasure in their misfortune. By seeking refuge from 'all that displeases You' (jami'i sakhatik), we are also asking Allah to protect us from actions that might lead to His displeasure, which in turn could result in a negative reputation. It's a comprehensive shield against physical, emotional, and social afflictions, reinforcing our trust in Allah's ultimate plan and protection.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge [saying]: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa fuj'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the decline of Your blessings, the reversal of Your protection, the suddenness of Your wrath, and all that displeases You. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of affliction, the attainment of misery, the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies.)' (Sahih Muslim 2708)