اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلْتُ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ أَعْمَلْ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, and from the evil of what I have not yet done.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri ma 'amiltu, wa min sharri ma lam a'mal
When to Read
This is a profound dua that can be recited at any time. It's particularly beneficial to say it after performing any action, reflecting on its potential unintended negative consequences, or when feeling a sense of unease about past or future actions. Making it a regular part of your morning or evening remembrances (dhikr) can also be a powerful habit.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and full awareness of its meaning. Raise your hands slightly in supplication, as is customary for duas. Focus on seeking Allah's protection not just from overt sins, but from the subtle, hidden harms that can arise from our actions, or even from the harm of neglecting good deeds we should have done. Imagine Allah's vast mercy encompassing you as you seek His refuge.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses a comprehensive plea for protection. It acknowledges our fallibility, recognizing that both our committed actions and our inactions can have negative repercussions. By seeking refuge from the 'evil of what I have done,' we ask for protection from the direct bad consequences of our sins and mistakes. By seeking refuge from the 'evil of what I have not yet done,' we ask for protection from future sins, missed opportunities for good, and the potential harms of things we might do without realizing their ill effects. It cultivates humility and reliance on Allah's guidance and protection, essential for navigating life's challenges with faith.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, and from the evil of what I have not yet done." — Sahih Muslim 2716