اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the discontinuation of Your favors, and the change of Your protection, and the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that You are displeased with. And I seek refuge in You from the distress of tribulation, and the attainment of misery, and the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faj'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik. Wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite daily, especially in the morning and evening. In our times, where we are constantly bombarded by notifications, endless scrolling, and the potential for comparison and envy online, this supplication becomes even more relevant. We seek refuge from the 'discontinuation of Your favors' which can include the blessing of time, focus, and meaningful connection, all of which can be eroded by excessive tech use. We also seek protection from 'misery' and 'evil of fate,' which can manifest as mental health struggles, addiction, or a loss of spiritual grounding due to our digital habits.
How to Read
This dua is best recited with sincere intention and a humble heart. Raise your hands slightly, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when making dua. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly internalizing the need for Allah's protection against the unseen harms that can afflict us through our engagement with technology. It's a powerful supplication that covers many aspects of seeking Allah's refuge from life's difficulties, including those that are subtle and pervasive.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), is a cornerstone for seeking Allah's protection. By reciting it, we are asking Allah (Exalted is He) to safeguard us from losing the blessings He has bestowed upon us, including our spiritual well-being, mental clarity, and healthy relationships, which can be jeopardized by unchecked technology use. It also encompasses seeking refuge from trials, hardship, and the negative consequences that can arise from our own actions or external circumstances, including the subtle spiritual dangers of the digital age.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to invoke Allah frequently, seeking refuge in Him. One of the supplications he taught his companions was: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: 'Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to supplicate for refuge, saying: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the vanishing of Your blessings, and the changing of Your protection, and Your sudden punishment, and all Your displeasure. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the distress of suffering, and the seizing of wretchedness, and the evil of fate, and the malice of enemies.'" (Sahih Muslim 2739)