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 dua is immensely powerful for seeking Allah's protection when you find yourself in a gathering whose nature is uncertain, or when you fear potential harm, backbiting, or negative influences. It's especially relevant when entering a new environment, attending meetings, or social events where you might be exposed to the 'evil of what He has created,' which can encompass many forms of spiritual and even physical harm.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with a heart full of reliance on Allah (Tawakkul). It is recommended to say it three times in the morning and three times in the evening as a general protection, and to recite it specifically when entering a situation where you feel vulnerable or anticipate potential negative energies. Visualize Allah's perfect words as a shield surrounding you.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua as a comprehensive means of seeking Allah's protection. When recited in the morning and evening, it is a powerful shield against all forms of harm. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I was stung by a scorpion last night.' He ﷺ replied: 'If you had said, when evening came: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq - 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created), it would not have harmed you.' Sahih Muslim 2709. This highlights its efficacy against physical harm, and by extension, spiritual and social harms that can arise from gatherings.
Source & Authentication
The full context of the hadith where this dua is mentioned as protection against harm is as follows: Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I was stung by a scorpion last night.' He (the Prophet ﷺ) said: 'As for the one who lived last night, if he had said when evening came: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq), it would not have harmed him.' So, something was mentioned to Allah's Messenger ﷺ about the people of Hawwa (a tribe), so he asked: 'Did they not treat their prisoners well?' (Sahih Muslim 2708-2709). While the specific incident mentioned was a scorpion sting, the general principle of seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words from the evil of His creation applies broadly, including from the ill effects of a problematic gathering.