اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ السَّمْعِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ الْبَصَرِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ اللِّسَانِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ الْقَلْبِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ الْمَنِيِّ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of hearing, from the evil of sight, from the evil of the tongue, from the evil of the heart, and from the evil of the semen (or lust).
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri as-sam'i, wa min sharri al-basari, wa min sharri al-lisan, wa min sharri al-qalbi, wa min sharri al-maniyyi.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited when you find yourself in a situation where you fear the negative influences of a gathering. This could be a place where gossip is prevalent, where heedlessness is encouraged, or where your senses might be exposed to something displeasing to Allah. Reciting it before entering such a place, or at the start of the gathering, can invoke Allah's protection over your hearing, sight, tongue, heart, and desires.
How to Read
Utter this dua with sincerity and conviction, understanding that Allah is the ultimate protector. Focus on each phrase, seeking refuge from the potential evils associated with each sense and organ mentioned. It's best recited with your hands raised slightly in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, though it can be recited in any state or direction when need arises.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive seeking of refuge, covering the primary channels through which evil can affect a person. By seeking protection from the evil of hearing, you safeguard yourself from harmful speech and backbiting. Protecting your sight shields you from forbidden glances. Guarding your tongue prevents you from speaking ill or falsehoods. Seeking refuge for your heart protects it from doubts, malice, and heedlessness. Finally, protection from the evil of 'al-maniyyi' (which can refer to lust or the means of procreation) safeguards your chastity and prevents unlawful desires. It's a holistic prayer for spiritual and moral well-being in social contexts.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the eyes, the evil of the tongue, the evil of the heart, and the evil of the semen. He would say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of hearing, and from the evil of sight, and from the evil of the tongue, and from the evil of the heart, and from the evil of the semen.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5088, graded Hasan by Al-Albani)