اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is ideally recited immediately after waking up, before engaging in any worldly activities. It's a powerful way to start your day by seeking Allah's protection against internal distractions that can hinder your devotion and focus.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and contemplation. Raise your hands slightly as you would when making a supplication. Visualize the concepts you are seeking refuge from: knowledge that leads nowhere, a heart that doesn't connect with Allah, a restless soul, and unanswered pleas. It's best to say it standing or in the position you woke up in, before you move to perform ablution or prayer.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua helps guard against four significant spiritual ailments that can plague a person and disrupt their morning devotion. Seeking refuge from knowledge that doesn't benefit protects against intellectual vanity or information overload that doesn't bring us closer to Allah. Protection from a heart that doesn't feel the awe and reverence of Allah is crucial for meaningful prayer and remembrance. Asking Allah to shield us from a soul that is never satisfied combats greed and excessive desire, which can distract from spiritual contentment. Finally, seeking refuge from unanswered prayers encourages us to purify our intentions and understand the wisdom behind Allah's response, fostering patience and trust.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught us a dua to say when we stand for prayer, and he mentioned it in the context of seeking refuge from four things: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.)