اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْمَأْثَمِ وَالْمَغْرَمِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and debt.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhab il-qabr, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat il-masih id-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat il-mahya wal-maamat. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-ma'thami wal-gharam.
When to Read
This powerful dua is often recited during the Tashahhud (the sitting after rising from the second rak'ah in prayer) before the final taslim. It's a moment of intense supplication and seeking refuge from the gravest of evils. While it can be recited at any time, its inclusion in salah makes it a regular practice for many Muslims, ensuring they consistently seek Allah's protection from calamities both seen and unseen, including the decline that can come with old age, which is implicitly linked to the 'trials of life' (fitnat il-mahya).
How to Read
This dua should be recited with sincerity and a full heart, understanding the gravity of seeking refuge from such immense evils. It is traditionally recited in the Tashahhud, a specific part of the prayer. Raising your hands is not part of this supplication as it's recited in the sitting posture. Focus on the meaning of each phrase as you utter it, internalizing the plea for Allah's protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking refuge from four significant evils: the torment of the grave, the deception of the Antichrist (Dajjal), the trials and tribulations of life and death, and the burden of sin and debt. By seeking refuge from these, a believer is essentially asking for protection from anything that could hinder their success in this life and the hereafter. While not explicitly mentioning 'decrepit old age,' the 'trials of life' (fitnat il-mahya) can encompass the physical and mental frailties that accompany advanced age, and seeking Allah's protection in general safeguards us against all forms of hardship and decline.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us the Tashahhud over our hands as he taught us a Surah of the Qur'an. (He said): 'Al-Tahiyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-salamu 'alaika 'ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu. (Then recite:) Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhab il-qabr, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat il-masih id-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat il-mahya wal-maamat. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-ma'thami wal-gharam.' (All praises, prayers and good things are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings. Peace be on us and on the good slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge with You from the ordeal of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge with You from the ordeal of life and death. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from sins and from debt.)