أُعِيذُكَ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
I seek refuge for you with the perfect words of Allah from every devil and every poisonous creature, and from every envious eye.
U'ee-dhuka bikalimaatillahit-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa haammatin, wa min kulli 'aynin laammatin
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recommended to be recited for a newborn baby immediately after birth, and also for children in general as a means of protection. It's particularly beneficial to recite it when you notice signs of illness or general vulnerability in the child. You can also make it a regular practice during the newborn phase.
How to Read
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite this dua for his grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). To recite it, place your hand gently on the baby's forehead or body, facing the Qiblah if possible, and recite the dua with sincerity and a hopeful heart. Focus on the meaning of seeking Allah's perfect protection. It is also recommended to blow gently with a little saliva after reciting, as the Prophet ﷺ did.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a profound act of seeking Allah's protection for the child. It invokes the perfect words of Allah, which encompass His attributes of power and mercy, to ward off all forms of harm – from the unseen evils of shayatin (devils) and haammatin (harmful creatures, often interpreted to include illness and pests), to the ill effects of the 'ayn (the evil eye). It's a practical application of our reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) for the well-being of our little ones.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, saying: 'Your guardian is Allah. So, seek refuge with Allah from every devil and from every poisonous creature and from every evil eye.' Then he would say: 'The words of Allah are from every devil and every poisonous creature and from every evil eye.' Sahih al-Bukhari 3371. Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).