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 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 comprehensive dua can be recited daily, especially in the morning and evening. It's particularly relevant when you feel tempted to engage in backbiting (ghibah) or slander (buhtan), or when you are in environments where such talk is prevalent. Reciting it helps fortify your resolve against harming others with your words and protects you from becoming a victim of such harmful speech.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and full presence. Understand each part of the plea: seeking protection for your senses (hearing and sight), your faculties (tongue and heart), and your lineage (semen). Focus on the 'evil of my tongue' to consciously guard against gossip, slander, and hurtful words. It is best recited with raised hands, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ in many supplications.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication encompasses seeking refuge from various forms of evil that can afflict a person. By specifically asking for protection from the evil of the tongue, we are safeguarding ourselves from the immense spiritual damage that gossip, backbiting, and slander can cause. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned us about the severity of these sins, stating that a believer's true faith is often reflected in their guarded tongue. Guarding our tongues is essential for maintaining our good deeds, as backbiting can cancel out years of worship. This dua also implicitly protects us from being targets of such speech by purifying our own selves and seeking Allah's shield.
Source & Authentication
Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me: "When you go to your bed, say: Allahumma inni aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wa alja'tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja'a wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabikalladhi anzalta wa binabiyyikalladhi arsalta. (O Allah, I have surrendered myself to You, and turned my face to You, and committed my affair to You, and have entrusted my back to You, out of hope and fear of You. There is no refuge or sanctuary from You except with You). And if you die on that night, you die upon the fitrah (natural disposition). Make them the last words you say. When you wake up, say: Alhamdulillahi alladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilaihin-nushur. (Praise is to Allah Who revived us after causing us to die, and to Him is the Resurrection). And when you enter your bed, say: 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, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my semen). And if you die on that night, you die upon the good (i.e. upon the Fitrah)." [Sunan Abi Dawud 5042, Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3394]