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 the evil of my sight, and the evil of my tongue, and the evil of my heart, and 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 for seeking protection that can be recited at any time. It is particularly beneficial when feeling tempted to engage in harmful speech, or when reflecting on the vastness of sins related to the tongue, which extend far beyond just backbiting to include lying, slander, abusive language, and spreading falsehoods. Reciting it in the morning and evening, as is the practice with many protective duas, is highly recommended.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and earnestness, truly feeling the need for Allah's protection. Focus on each part of the dua as you utter it, internalizing the request for refuge from the negative impacts of your senses and inner faculties. Raise your hands in supplication if reciting in private, as is a common etiquette for dua. Understand that this dua is not just a verbal exercise but a supplication that requires conscious effort to avoid the very evils being sought refuge from.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encompasses seeking refuge from the misuse of several critical faculties. Specifically regarding the tongue, it protects against not only backbiting and slander but also lying, abusive language, mockery, idle talk, and spreading gossip. By seeking refuge from the evil of the tongue, we are asking Allah to safeguard us from the immense harm these actions can cause to ourselves, others, and our relationships, both in this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us such comprehensive duas to cover all potential avenues of harm.
Source & Authentication
The Hadith is narrated as follows: 'Abdullah ibn as-Sa'ib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. When he finished, he said: 'I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of you (meaning Satan).' Then he turned his face and said: '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 the evil of my sight, and the evil of my tongue, and the evil of my heart, and the evil of my semen.)