اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ الْأَرْبَعِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not feel humble, from a supplication that is not heard, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from knowledge that is not beneficial. I seek refuge in You from these four.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min du'a'in la yusma', wa min nafsil la tashba', wa min 'ilmin la yanfa'. A'udhu bika min ha'ula'il arba'.
When to Read
This is a profound dua that can be recited at any time, especially after your obligatory prayers (fardh). Given that greed (or more specifically, an insatiable soul - 'nafsil la tashba'') is one of the things the Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from, it's particularly relevant when you feel your desires for worldly possessions or status overwhelming your spiritual focus. Making it a regular part of your morning or evening remembrance (dhikr) is also highly recommended.
How to Read
As with all duas, sincerity and presence of heart are key. Raise your hands (as is the Sunnah for supplication when not praying) and say this with conviction, reflecting on each of the four aspects you are seeking protection from. Imagine your heart softening, your prayers reaching Allah, your soul finding contentment, and your knowledge becoming a source of good. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned seeking refuge 'in You', so direct your plea to Allah alone.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua addresses several critical spiritual ailments. By seeking refuge from a heart that doesn't feel humble, we guard against arrogance and heedlessness. Protection from unanswered supplications is sought by asking Allah to make our duas effective. The crucial element here is protection from a 'nafsil la tashba'' – a soul that is never satisfied. This directly counters greed, envy, and constant dissatisfaction with what Allah has provided. Finally, seeking refuge from knowledge that is not beneficial helps us ensure our learning is for the sake of Allah, leading to good deeds and spiritual growth, rather than mere intellectual pride or misguidance. This dua, therefore, is a comprehensive shield against internal spiritual decay.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not feel humble, from a supplication that is not heard, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from knowledge that is not beneficial. I seek refuge in You from these four.' (Sunan Abu Dawud 1540)