اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّىْ اَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَّا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَّا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَّا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَّا يُسْمَعُ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّىْ اَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنْ هٰؤُلَاءِ الْاَرْبَعِ.
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 not satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from these four.
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'. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min ha'ula'il-arba'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant for elders, or anyone concerned about cognitive decline. It can be recited daily, especially after the obligatory prayers (Salat), or at any time one feels a need to seek Allah's protection against mental stagnation, lack of focus, and forgetfulness, which can be exacerbated in old age.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands as you would during supplication. It is recommended to face the Qiblah and to have Wudu (ablution). Remember that consistency is key in making dua; make it a habit.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from knowledge that is not beneficial is a way to ask for wisdom and understanding that actually serves us and our communities. Protection from a humbled heart (one that fears Allah) and a satisfied soul (contentment with what Allah has decreed) are safeguards against spiritual emptiness. Asking Allah to not have unanswered prayers is a plea for His mercy and acceptance. By seeking refuge from these 'four', we are asking for holistic protection that includes mental sharpness and an engaged heart, vital for clear thinking and good memory even in our later years.
Source & Authentication
The hadith in its full context from Sunan Abi Dawud (Book 8, Hadith 1544, numbered 1550 in some editions) is: 'Abdullah ibn Mughaffal reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge with these words: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from evil character, evil deeds, and evil desires.' Another narration by 'Abdullah ibn Mughaffal states that the Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge with these words: '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 not satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1550).