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 sperm.
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 dua is comprehensive and can be recited at any time, especially when you feel a temptation to speak ill of someone, or when you are in a situation where gossip might occur. It's a good practice to make it part of your daily supplications after prayers or before sleeping to strengthen your resolve against negative speech.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with the intention of seeking Allah's help to control your tongue. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, particularly the part about seeking refuge from the evil of your tongue ('min sharri lisani'). Imagine Allah protecting you from uttering harmful words. You can raise your hands slightly as you make this dua, as is customary in supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, seeks Allah's protection against various evils, including the misuse of our senses and internal faculties. By specifically asking for refuge from the 'evil of my tongue', we are directly addressing the sin of backbiting, slander, and all forms of harmful speech. Controlling our tongue is a hallmark of a true believer, as the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6475). This dua helps us achieve that level of self-restraint.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from four things, saying: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabil-Qabr, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhabin-Nar, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatid-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the Fire, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death.) Another narration from Sunan Abi Dawud includes: '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.' (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 sperm.)