أُعِيذُهُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
I seek refuge for him [or her] in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast, and from every evil eye.
U'eezhuhu bikalimatillahi-t-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hāmmatin, wa min kulli 'aynin lāmmah.
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically for seeking Allah's protection for a newborn. It is particularly relevant and comforting to recite when you witness your baby's first smile or signs of recognizing you and their parents. It's a prayer for their well-being, safeguarding them from harm and the unseen.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention of seeking Allah's protection for your child. You can gently blow on your baby after reciting it, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when seeking refuge for his grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). You can also hold your baby while reciting this, feeling the connection and entrusting them to Allah's care.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses comprehensive protection for the child. Seeking refuge in Allah's perfect words shields the newborn from the influences of Shaytan (the devil) and harmful creatures ('hammah' refers to every poisonous or harmful crawling creature). It also protects against the evil eye ('ayn' - the harmful effect of envy or ill-will). Witnessing a baby's first smile and recognition is a beautiful milestone, and this dua is a perfect way to imbue that moment with divine blessing and security.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them) saying: 'I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and every beast, and from every poisonous influencing eye.' Then he would say: 'Your father (Ibrahim) used to seek refuge with Allah for Ishmael and Isaac with the like of this.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3308)