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 fear (You), from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication 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 powerful supplication can be recited at any time, but it's especially poignant when you feel overlooked, unheard, or when your efforts seem to go unnoticed. It's a moment to turn to Allah directly when human recognition feels absent. It can be a part of your daily remembrance (dhikr) or recited during times of personal reflection and need.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a hopeful heart, directing your focus solely to Allah. It's recommended to raise your hands as you do so, a gesture of earnest pleading. Ensure you understand the meaning of each phrase, contemplating the profound nature of seeking refuge in Allah from these specific forms of spiritual and existential distress. Like all duas, it's best when uttered with a clear mind and a trusting spirit.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua protects you from several spiritual ailments that can lead to feeling ignored or insignificant. Seeking refuge from 'knowledge that does not benefit' means you are asking Allah to guide you to beneficial knowledge, rather than accumulating information that leaves you spiritually barren and unable to connect. 'A heart that does not fear You' signifies a heart hardened by heedlessness, incapable of feeling awe or being moved by Allah's signs. 'A soul that is never satisfied' is a soul driven by endless desires, which can lead to discontent and a feeling of emptiness, making one feel unfulfilled and thus potentially ignored in their pursuits. Finally, 'a supplication that is not answered' touches upon the feeling of being unheard. By asking for this specific refuge, you are seeking Allah's acceptance and response to your prayers, ensuring your connection with Him remains strong even when human ears don't seem to listen.
Source & Authentication
Yahya related to me from Malik, from Zayd ibn Aslam, from Abu 'Abdullah as-Salmani, from the freed slave of the Ansar, that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ asking for refuge saying: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.' (Malik said) Zayd ibn Aslam used to explain 'a heart that does not fear' as meaning 'a heart that does not feel the fear of Allah'.