اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or being made to slip, from oppressing or being oppressed, and from acting ignorantly or being treated ignorantly.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala 'alayya
When to Read
Recite this powerful dua each time you step out of your home, especially when embarking on a significant journey with the intention of spiritual growth, introspection, or seeking sacred knowledge. Whether you are traveling to a remote place for *i'tikaf*, attending a spiritual retreat, or simply going out with a conscious intention to draw closer to Allah, this dua prepares your heart and mind for the path ahead. It’s a shield you carry as you seek closeness to your Creator, ensuring you begin your journey under His divine protection.
How to Read
Before stepping out, stand at your doorstep or just inside. Recite with full sincerity, contemplating the profound meaning of each phrase: you are actively asking Allah for protection from *all* forms of misguidance, error, and harm – both physical and spiritual. Remember that even physical journeys undertaken for spiritual purposes carry risks, and this dua comprehensively covers them. Utter it clearly, audibly enough for yourself to hear, reinforcing your complete reliance on Allah alone before you take your first step.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that whoever says this dua when leaving his house, it is said to him: 'You are guided, you are sufficed, and you are protected.' And the devil turns away from him (Sunan Abi Dawud 5094). For those setting out on a spiritual quest, these blessings are profoundly meaningful. **Guidance** ensures you remain on the straight path of truth and understanding, guarding your intellect and heart from misinterpretations, doubts, and any ideology that might lead you astray. **Sufficiency** means Allah will take care of your needs, freeing your mind to focus entirely on worship, reflection, and spiritual development. **Protection** not only guards you from physical harm but, crucially, from Shaytan's whispers that can divert your spiritual progress, from slipping into sin, or from being wronged by others while you are engrossed in your devotion. It safeguards your spiritual journey against common pitfalls, enabling genuine enlightenment and a deeper connection with your Creator.
Source & Authentication
> **Arabic:** عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا خَرَجَ مِنْ بَيْتِي قَطُّ إِلَّا رَفَعَ طَرْفَهُ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ. > > **Translation:** Ummu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ never left her house except that he would raise his gaze to the sky and say: "O Allah, I seek refuge with You from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or being made to slip, from oppressing or being oppressed, and from acting ignorantly or being treated ignorantly." > > **Transliteration:** *An Ummi Salamah radiyallahu anha annannabiyya sallallahu alayhi wasallama ma kharaja min bayti qattu illa rafa'a tarfahu ilassama'i faqala: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala 'alayya.* > > — Sunan Abi Dawud 5094