اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi
When to Read
This is a powerful comprehensive dua that can be recited any time, but is especially potent on a Friday, a day of great blessings. It's particularly beneficial to make this supplication after the Friday prayer as you prepare to re-enter the world, asking Allah to safeguard you from the sins of the tongue, which can lead to slander, gossip, and backbiting.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, visualizing the protection of Allah. Raise your hands in supplication as you say it. Focus on each part of the dua: seeking refuge from the evils related to your senses (hearing, sight), your tongue, your heart, and your private parts. Make it a habit to reflect on the meaning each time you recite it.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive plea for protection. By specifically asking for refuge from the 'evil of the tongue,' we are directly seeking protection from the devastating consequences of slander, gossip, lies, and hurtful speech, all of which are particularly condemned in Islam. Safeguarding our hearing and sight also prevents us from being exposed to or participating in such harmful discourse. Protecting the heart shields us from harboring ill intentions, and protecting our 'maniyyi' (often interpreted as one's essence or lineage, or specifically referring to sexual purity) is a holistic approach to well-being. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua, showing its importance in seeking Allah's shield against significant spiritual and social harms.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Mas'ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen." (Sunan Abi Dawud 1551).