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 humble itself, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite daily, particularly in the morning and evening. It's especially relevant when starting a new endeavor involving learning, or when feeling overwhelmed by information and the potential for misinformation. Consider reciting it before engaging in study, research, or even casual browsing online.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as you would for other supplications. Focus on the meaning of each phrase and the earnestness of seeking Allah's protection. It's best recited in Arabic, but if pronunciation is a challenge, focus on the transliteration while ensuring the intent is pure.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking refuge from four critical areas of spiritual and worldly concern. 1. **'Ilmin la yanfa' (Knowledge that does not benefit):** This protects against pursuing or holding onto knowledge that leads one astray, is useless in this life and the next, or is based on falsehood. True beneficial knowledge is that which brings one closer to Allah and guides one to righteous action. 2. **Qalbin la yashsha' (A heart that does not humble itself):** This is a plea against arrogance and hardness of heart, which prevent one from accepting truth and submitting to Allah's will. A heart that fears Allah is receptive to guidance. 3. **Nafsin la tashba' (A soul that is not satisfied):** This seeks protection from insatiable greed and desire, which can lead to unlawful means and constant dissatisfaction, regardless of one's possessions. 4. **Du'a'in la yusma' (A supplication that is not heard):** This is a plea for our prayers to be accepted. While Allah hears all prayers, certain obstacles like unlawful earnings or an unyielding heart can hinder their acceptance. This part of the dua is a call for our supplications to reach Allah and be answered. By reciting this, we actively seek Allah's divine shield against these detrimental aspects.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.' (Sahih Muslim 2708)