اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited any time, but it is particularly beneficial to say it in the morning and evening. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often seek Allah's protection in a general sense from various evils, and this specific plea addresses the dangers emanating from our senses and our innermost being, including the tongue.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and full awareness of what you are asking for. Focus on each part of the dua, recognizing the potential harm that can come from our hearing (e.g., listening to gossip), sight (e.g., looking at what is forbidden), tongue (e.g., backbiting, lying), heart (e.g., harboring ill will), and physical desires. Raise your hands in supplication as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ for many duas.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of the tongue is crucial because the tongue is a powerful organ that can cause immense damage. It can break relationships, spread fitnah (sedition), and lead to severe consequences in this life and the next. By reciting this dua, we actively seek Allah's protection against our own failings and the ill intentions of others who might misuse their tongues. The Prophet's ﷺ own supplications highlight the importance of safeguarding ourselves from such widespread afflictions.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and from the evil of my sight, and from the evil of my tongue, and from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen.) This hadith is considered Hasan because while the chain might have some weakness in terms of absolute certainty of transmission for every narrator, it is supported by other authentic narrations and represents a well-established practice of seeking comprehensive protection from the Prophet ﷺ. The inclusion of 'evil of my tongue' specifically addresses the dangers of speech, such as backbiting and slander.