اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ مُنْكَرَاتِ الأَخْلاَقِ وَالأَعْمَالِ وَالأَهْوَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of character, deeds, and desires.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min munkaratil akhlaqi wal a'mali wal ahwa'i
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite at any time, especially when you feel a temptation towards something displeasing to Allah, or when you're reflecting on your actions and intentions. It's particularly fitting after prayers, or during the times when duas are more likely to be accepted, like the last third of the night or between Dhuhr and Asr.
How to Read
Raise your hands slightly, as you would in a prayer supplication. Utter the words with sincerity and conviction, visualizing yourself actively seeking Allah's protection from negative traits and actions. Reflect on the meaning of 'evil of character, deeds, and desires' and identify areas in your own life where this refuge is needed. Believe that Allah will answer your sincere plea.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication directly addresses the roots of sin: a corrupted character, wrong actions stemming from it, and harmful desires. By seeking refuge, we are asking Allah to shield us from falling into these traps. A clean heart is the foundation of faith, and a guarded tongue prevents slander, gossip, and hurtful speech. This dua helps us maintain our spiritual well-being and live a life that is pleasing to our Creator.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Al-Fudayl bin 'Iyad said: 'I heard Abu Hurairah say: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to supplicate: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min munkaratil akhlaqi wal a'mali wal ahwa'i. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of character, deeds, and desires.)" Al-Fudayl said: "This is a Hadith Hasan Gharib."