اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when one wakes up from a distressing or confusing dream. It can be recited upon waking, or even before sleeping if one anticipates having disturbing dreams. It is a general supplication for seeking Allah's protection from various afflictions, including those that may manifest through troubling dreams.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and heartfelt supplication. Raise your hands as you would in other duas, if possible, and focus on the meaning of each phrase. It is recommended to turn to your right side after waking from a disturbing dream and to seek refuge in Allah from its evil, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from these four things encompasses protection from many evils. 'Knowledge that does not benefit' can lead to arrogance or misguidance. A 'heart that does not fear' is prone to disobedience. A 'soul that is never satisfied' leads to constant greed and dissatisfaction. And a 'prayer that is not answered' might be due to various hindrances, including sins or insincerity. By reciting this, one seeks Allah's safeguard against these spiritual and practical dangers, which can also influence the nature of one's dreams.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Yahya bin Yahya: Abu Rabi' al-Makzumi narrated to us. He said: Usama b. Zayd narrated to us from Sa'id b. Abu Sa'id al-Maqburi from his father from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to teach them: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.' (Sahih Muslim 2722)