اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ الْأَرْبَعِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. And I seek refuge in You from these four.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsil la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma', wa a'udhu bika min ha'ula'il arba'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when embarking on the path of seeking knowledge, especially Islamic knowledge. It's a powerful supplication to make before starting to study, when faced with complex texts, or when interacting with scholars and peers. Recite it when you feel a particular text or concept is becoming unclear, or if you sense a tendency towards rigid or distorted understanding. It can be a regular part of your morning supplications, especially on days dedicated to learning.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and focus. Understand the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands slightly if possible, as is customary for supplication, and face the Qiblah. Reflect on the reliance on Allah for guidance and protection in all matters, especially the purity of one's understanding of knowledge. Repeat it consistently, making it a habit before and during your learning sessions.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from 'knowledge that does not benefit' is crucial. This includes knowledge that leads to misguidance, arrogance, or is not put into practice. By reciting this, we ask Allah to shield us from acquiring knowledge that misleads others or ourselves, or that is merely theoretical without practical application. It helps purify our intentions and ensures our learning is a source of guidance and positive change, rather than a tool for distortion or harm. This protection extends to safeguarding the integrity of the knowledge itself from being twisted or misinterpreted by ourselves or others.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah with these words: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsil la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma', wa a'udhu bika min ha'ula'il arba'. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. And I seek refuge in You from these four.) - Sahih Muslim 2722. This supplication is a comprehensive plea for well-being in both worldly and religious affairs, encompassing the heart, the soul, the supplication, and most importantly for our purpose, the very nature and benefit of knowledge.