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, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, 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 comprehensive dua the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to recite regularly, particularly in the morning and evening. It's a powerful way to protect ourselves from internal and external harms, including the destructive impact of gossip, slander, and hurtful speech.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, reflecting on each part. You are actively asking Allah to shield your senses and inner self from anything that could lead to harming others or being harmed by their words. It's best recited after the obligatory prayers or during the times recommended for morning and evening remembrance (Adhkar).
Virtues & Benefits
By seeking refuge from the evil of our tongue, we are actively guarding against backbiting (ghibah) and slander (buhtan), which are major sins in Islam. These vices tear at the fabric of our communities, destroy reputations, and breed hatred. The Prophet ﷺ warned us severely about them. This dua, by encompassing the evil of hearing, sight, tongue, and heart, seeks comprehensive protection, ensuring our very being is shielded from contributing to or being affected by such harmful speech.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Al-Harith: I did not find any Prophet's companion who was more disgusted by (indulging in) backbiting than us. I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying: 'Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is worse than adultery. A man might commit adultery and then repent to Allah, but he would not forgive his backbiting of someone until his backbiting friend forgives him.' Another narration: 'Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is worse than adultery. Indeed, Allah may forgive a believer for what He knows of his sin, but He will not forgive him for the sin of the tongue, i.e. backbiting or slander, until he forgives it.' (While this fuller version connects to the theme, the primary dua above is its own distinct sunnah practice for seeking refuge). *Note: The primary source for the dua itself is Sunan Abi Dawud 1550 and Sunan An-Nasa'i 5515. The additional text about the severity of backbiting is to provide context for *why* this dua is so important.*