اللَّهُمَّ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، رَبَّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَمَلِيكَهُ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the seen, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Lord and Sovereign of everything. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except You. I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul, and from the evil of Shaitan and his shirk.
Allahumma 'Alimal-ghaibi wash-shahadah, Fatiras-samawati wal-ard, Rabba kulli shai'in wa malikah. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta. A'udhu bika min sharri nafsi wa min sharrish-shaitani wa shirkihi.
When to Read
Recite this powerful dua in the morning as you begin your day. The Prophet ﷺ specifically advised Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to say this in the morning, the evening, and before going to sleep, making it a comprehensive daily protection. Uttering it first thing in the morning sets a shield around you, seeking Allah's help against the potential evils that may arise from within your own self or from the whisperings of Shaitan throughout the day.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full presence of heart, understanding its profound meanings. Acknowledge Allah's absolute knowledge and power, then humbly seek His protection. Focus on the plea to be safeguarded from the 'evil of your soul,' reflecting on how your own inner inclinations can sometimes lead to heedlessness, anger, or envy, which might manifest as backbiting or slander. Recite it audibly or silently, ensuring sincerity and a deep connection with Allah, trusting in His ability to protect you.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection by asking Allah to shield you from two primary sources of evil: the **evil of your own soul** (`sharri nafsi`) and the **evil of Shaitan and his shirk** (`sharrish-shaitani wa shirkihi`). The 'evil of one's soul' is incredibly broad, encompassing all the internal shortcomings, impulses, and inclinations that could lead to sin. This directly includes the urge to backbite (`gheebah`), slander (`buhtan`), gossip, lie, or engage in any harmful speech. By seeking refuge from this inner evil, you are proactively asking Allah to purify your intentions and guard your tongue from sins that originate from jealousy, anger, pride, or simple heedlessness. Simultaneously, seeking refuge from Shaitan protects you from his relentless whispers and attempts to instigate discord, falsehoods, and ill-speech among people. Starting your day with this supplication strengthens your spiritual resolve, increases your mindfulness, and serves as a constant reminder to guard your tongue and thoughts from anything displeasing to Allah. It helps to cultivate a conscious awareness of your words, empowering you to avoid backbiting and slander, and instead, focus on good, beneficial speech.
Source & Authentication
Abu Hurairah reported: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me some words that I may say in the morning and in the evening.' He said: 'Say: > **Arabic:** اللَّهُمَّ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، رَبَّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَمَلِيكَهُ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ > > **Translation:** "O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the seen, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Lord and Sovereign of everything, I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except You. I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul, and from the evil of Shaitan and his shirk." > > — Sunan Abi Dawud 5067 He (the narrator) added: 'He also said: "And if you say it in the morning, and in the evening, and when you go to bed."'