اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.
When to Read
This profound supplication can be recited at any time, but it's especially poignant to make it a habit after every obligatory prayer (salah) or during the late hours of the night. We can also specifically make this dua for our parents, asking Allah to shield them from the inner evils that can lead to hypocrisy. Imagine yourself, after salah, raising your hands, and with a sincere heart, asking Allah to protect your parents from these hidden dangers.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, focusing on the meaning of seeking refuge. It's recommended to make this supplication for your parents, directing your intention towards them as you utter the words. You can say it in your own words, expanding on the core request: 'O Allah, protect my parents from the evil of what they hear, from the evil of what they see, from the evil of their hearts, and from the evil of their desires.' Making this a regular part of your personal supplications, specifically for your parents, adds immense weight.
Virtues & Benefits
Hypocrisy (nifaq) is a grave spiritual disease, characterized by outwardly appearing righteous while harboring inner corruption. By seeking refuge in Allah from these specific evils – the misuse of hearing (e.g., listening to backbiting, gossip), the misuse of sight (e.g., looking at impermissible things), the corruption of the heart (e.g., envy, malice), and the corrupt desires of the lower self – we are essentially asking Allah to safeguard our parents from the very roots of hypocrisy. This dua is a shield, protecting their faith and their actions from inner decay, ensuring their sincerity remains intact before Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.) He would say it three times in the morning and three times in the evening. And he would say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-herri, wa a'udhu bika min al-bardi, wa a'udhu bika min al-hermi, wa a'udhu bika min al-mar'i.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the heat, and I seek refuge in You from the cold, and I seek refuge in You from the destruction, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the grave.) He would say it three times in the morning and three times in the evening. And he would say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min ad-dajjal.' He said: 'No prophet was sent but that he warned his Ummah against the Dajjal... He would say it three times.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1554)