اَللَّهُمَّ آتِنِي حِكْمَةً وَأَلْهِمْنِي رُشْدِي، وَأَعِذْنِي مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي
O Allah, grant me wisdom and guide me to what is right, and protect me from the evil of my own self.
Allahumma atini hikmatan wa alhimni rushdi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi
When to Read
Recite this dua when you feel the urge to engage in gossip or spread rumors, or when you find yourself in a situation where such talk is prevalent. It's particularly beneficial to make this a habit during times of stress or when you're feeling weak in your resolve to maintain good character.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus. Visualize yourself being strong against negative speech and choosing to speak only good or remain silent. It's recommended to raise your hands slightly in supplication and to be in a state of Wudu if possible, though it is permissible to recite it anytime, anywhere.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the internal fortitude needed to overcome negative inclinations. Wisdom (hikmah) helps one discern right from wrong, and guidance (rushd) ensures one follows the path of righteousness. Seeking protection from the evil of one's own self is crucial, as gossip and rumor often stem from internal desires like envy, pride, or seeking validation. By asking for this protection, we seek Allah's help in controlling our tongues and protecting our deeds, as backbiting can erase good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the falsest of speech. Do not spy on one another, do not envy one another, do not hate one another, and do not shun one another. Be, O servants of Allah, brothers.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5143, Sahih Muslim 2563)
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach them this supplication as he taught them a Surah from the Qur'an: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and from debt.' A man said: 'O Allah's Messenger, how much debt do you seek refuge from?' He said: 'The man who is afflicted with debt talks about it, and he is distressed and worried, and he mentions it, and he is afflicted with it.' And he (the Prophet) said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is not beneficial, and from a heart that does not fear (Allah), and from a soul that is satisfied (with disbelief), and from a supplication that is not answered.' And he said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the falling of the walls, and the drowning, and the burning, and the falling into the well, and the crushing by the mountains, and the drowning, and the being trampled by horses.' And he said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of the Dajjal.' And he said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the causes of Your anger and Your punishment. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from failure in obtaining what You have decreed, and from a miserable life, and from an evil end, and from the evil that is decreed, and from the evil that is in what is created.' And he said: 'O Allah, give me wisdom and guide me to what is right, and make me one of the righteous.' (This is the part relevant to the dua).