اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُحِّ نَفْسِي وَزَلَّةِ اللِّسَانِ وَفِتْنَةِ الصَّدْرِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the greed of my soul, the slips of the tongue, and the temptation of the heart.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min shuhhi nafsi wa zalatil lisan wa fitnat is sadr
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite daily, especially after your obligatory prayers. It's also beneficial to make this supplication when you feel the stirrings of discontent, jealousy, or a desire for more than what you have. Recognizing these inner struggles is the first step, and this dua provides a direct means to seek Allah's protection against them.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a present heart. Raise your hands as you would for any other supplication. Picture the negative traits you're seeking refuge from – greed, envy, harsh words – and consciously ask Allah to purify your intentions and character. Consistency is key; making it a habit after salah reinforces its importance in your daily spiritual life.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua addresses three significant internal struggles that can plague a believer. Seeking refuge from the 'greed of the soul' (shuhhi nafsi) helps guard against covetousness, stinginess, and an insatiable desire for worldly possessions or status. Protection from 'slips of the tongue' (zalalatil lisan) safeguards against backbiting, slander, hurtful speech, and falsehoods. Finally, seeking refuge from the 'temptation of the heart' (fitnat is sadr) shields against envy, malice, grudges, and inner conflict. By asking Allah for protection against these, we aim for inner peace, healthier relationships, and a stronger connection to our Creator.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to seek refuge (in Allah) from four things, saying: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what is in my hearing, from the evil of what is in my sight, from the evil of what is in my tongue, from the evil of what is in my private parts.' And he ﷺ used to seek refuge from the greed of the soul. And he ﷺ used to seek refuge from the evil of the Day of Judgment. Another version narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, from the evil of my sexual organ.' And he ﷺ used to seek refuge from the greed of the soul. And he ﷺ used to seek refuge from the evil of what is sent down (i.e. evil deeds or punishment). And he ﷺ used to seek refuge from the evil of what is brought up (i.e. evil thoughts or inclinations). Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with them): The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the greed of the soul, and from the evil of the tongue, and from the evil of the hearing, and from the evil of the sight, and from the evil of the lower sexual organ, and from the evil of the heart.' There is a version from this hadith narrated by Abu Dawud where it is related that the Prophet ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the greed of my soul, and the slips of the tongue, and the temptation of the chest.' (Sahih - due to corroborating narrations, Hasan for this specific phrasing)