رَبِّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْأَلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۗ وَإِلَّا تَغْفِرْ لِي وَتَرْحَمْنِي أَكُن مِّنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
My Lord, indeed I seek refuge in You, lest I ask of You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers.
Rabbi innee a'udhu bika an as'alaka ma laysa lee bihi 'ilm. Wa illa taghfir lee wa tarhamnee akun minal-khasireen.
When to Read
This profound dua from the story of Nuh (Noah) (peace be upon him) is particularly relevant when you feel overwhelmed by the struggle against addiction. It's a moment of deep introspection, acknowledging our limitations and turning to Allah for His boundless forgiveness and mercy. Recite it when you feel the pull of addiction strongly, or when you've stumbled and need to renew your commitment to seeking Allah's help. It can be a powerful prayer before making a conscious effort to resist temptation, or after admitting a mistake.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and humility, placing your full trust in Allah. Understand that the 'knowledge' mentioned refers to seeking things beyond our scope or understanding, but in this context, it also encompasses the struggle with our own lower selves (nafs). Pour out your heart, acknowledging your weakness and your absolute need for Allah's mercy to overcome the addiction. Raising your hands while making dua is a Sunnah, and it's best recited after your obligatory prayers or during the times when dua is more likely to be accepted, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a deep reliance on Allah, acknowledging His ultimate power and our dependence on Him. By seeking refuge in Allah from asking without knowledge, we are implicitly seeking His guidance in all matters, including the battle against addiction. The plea for forgiveness and mercy is essential, as addiction often stems from past mistakes or a feeling of worthlessness. This verse reminds us that true success and avoiding loss in this life and the hereafter come only through Allah's forgiveness and compassion. It fosters a mindset of accountability and a continuous turning back to Allah, which is the bedrock of recovery.