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 does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication 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 powerful supplication is best recited during the late hours of the night, particularly during Tahajjud. It's a moment when the world is quiet, and our connection with Allah is most profound. Recite it when you feel the stirrings of complacency in your worship, or when you notice your prayers feel distant or unanswered. It's also beneficial to make it a habit during the last third of the night, the blessed time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart, focusing on each phrase and its meaning. Raise your hands, as is customary when making dua. Feel the weight of seeking refuge from these detrimental states. Visualize your heart becoming more receptive to Allah's awe, your knowledge becoming beneficial, and your supplications reaching Him. It's a personal plea, so speak from the depths of your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from these four things is crucial for spiritual growth. 1. **Knowledge that does not benefit:** This refers to theoretical knowledge that isn't put into practice or doesn't lead to a deeper understanding and fear of Allah. It can even lead to arrogance. 2. **A heart that does not fear You:** A heart devoid of *khushu'* (humility and awe) is a hardened heart, making it difficult to connect with Allah. 3. **A soul that is never satisfied:** This is the soul driven by endless desires, always seeking more worldly possessions or status, preventing contentment and focus on the hereafter. 4. **A supplication that is not answered:** This can be due to various reasons, including sins, lack of sincerity, or seeking that which is impermissible. This dua directly asks Allah to protect us from the underlying causes. By reciting this, we actively combat spiritual laziness and seek Allah's assistance in attaining a state of sincere worship and responsiveness to His blessings.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from these four matters. The hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) states: 'The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: ‘O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, and from the torment of the grave, and from the trial of Dajjal, and from the trial of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from culpability and from debt.’ They said: ‘O Allah’s Messenger, you seek refuge in Allah from debt?’ He said: ‘A man, when he is in debt, tells lies and the promise is broken.’” (Sahih Muslim 589) Another narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states: 'The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: ‘O Allah, verily I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, and from the evil of what I have not done.’ (Sahih Muslim 67). The specific dua regarding 'knowledge that does not benefit' is found in Sahih Muslim 2722, narrated by Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: 'I will not say but that which we have been ordered. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘O Allah, verily I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not fear (You), and from a soul that does not ever be satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.’