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 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 perfect for recitation during your daily prayers, especially after the Tashahhud and before the Tasleem (final salutations). It's also a profound supplication to make when you feel overwhelmed by the pursuit of knowledge, or when you're reflecting on your spiritual state and seeking Allah's help to purify your intentions and actions.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Imagine each part of the dua being addressed directly to Allah. Truly internalize the meaning of seeking refuge from these specific ailments: knowledge that yields no practical benefit, a heart that remains unmoved by Allah's greatness, an insatiable soul, and prayers that seem to go unheard. Raise your hands as you would for any personal supplication before the Tasleem.
Virtues & Benefits
By reciting this dua, you are actively seeking Allah's protection from four deeply detrimental spiritual conditions. 1. **Knowledge that does not benefit:** This refers to knowledge that doesn't lead to good deeds, spiritual growth, or a better understanding of Allah. It's knowledge that remains theoretical and disconnected from one's life. 2. **A heart that does not humble itself:** This describes a heart that isn't moved by reminders of Allah, that remains arrogant or heedless to divine guidance. 3. **A soul that is not satisfied:** This speaks to the never-ending desires of the lower self, the constant craving for more worldly possessions or status, which can distract from one's purpose. 4. **A prayer that is not answered:** This refers to prayers that may not be accepted due to heedlessness, unlawful earnings, or other impediments that prevent them from reaching Allah's acceptance. Seeking refuge from these issues is a sign of spiritual maturity and a desire to align oneself with beneficial pursuits. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself sought refuge in Allah from these very things, demonstrating their importance for every Muslim.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allah in his prayer, saying: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and the trial of death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the sin and from the debt.' A man said to him: 'O Messenger of Allah, how often you seek refuge from debt! A man said: 'We seek refuge with Allah from the trial of life and the trial of death.' O Messenger of Allah, what is the trial of life and the trial of death? He said: 'The trial of life is the trials of women and wealth, and the trial of death is the torment of the Fire and the torment of the grave.' And there was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ a man who was patient during the period of plague, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Let him enter (into it), for he is a martyr.' And there was mentioned to him a man who died, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'His life has ended in a state of goodness, and his death has ended in a state of goodness.' And there was mentioned to him a man who was killed, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'His life has ended in a state of disbelief, and his death has ended in a state of disbelief.' And the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Indeed, when one of you is praying, he is holding a conversation with his Lord, so let him be careful of what he says.' And it was narrated from him: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not humble itself, and from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.'