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, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my sperm/desires.
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 supplication that can be recited at any time, especially when reflecting on the importance of guarding one's senses and inner being. It's particularly beneficial to say it in the morning and evening, as part of our remembrance of Allah, to seek protection against sins stemming from our faculties.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and earnestness, focusing on each part of the supplication. Understand that 'evil of my tongue' encompasses harmful speech like backbiting, slander, lies, and harsh words. The plea for protection from the 'evil of my heart' is a recognition that internal malice can manifest outwardly. Raise your hands slightly as you make this dua, as is customary for seeking refuge.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua teaches us the profound importance of seeking Allah's protection over all our faculties, particularly the tongue, which can cause immense harm. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in another narration, said: 'Whoever guards what is between his two jaws (tongue) and what is between his two legs (private parts), I guarantee him Paradise.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6474). Protecting our tongue from gossip, backbiting, slander, and falsehood is crucial for maintaining good character and earning Allah's pleasure. This supplication is a powerful tool to cultivate mindfulness over our speech and actions.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (may Allah be pleased with them): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah in his prayer, saying: "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 heart, and from the evil of my sperm." (Sunan Abu Dawood 1554). Another relevant hadith: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Is it not the case that the best wealth of a believer is his tongue that remembers Allah, and his grateful heart, and his patient wife who helps him with his faith?' (Sunan Ibn Majah 4211 - Hasan). And: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'A man may speak a word that he thinks is harmless, but it leads him to the Fire of Hell seven thousand years.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6477).