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 done.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri ma 'amiltu wa min sharri ma lam a'mal
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite in the morning. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua as part of a comprehensive supplication for the morning, a time when we set our intentions for the day and seek Allah's protection over all our affairs. Reciting it when you wake up can help you approach your day with awareness of your actions and a sincere plea for divine guidance and safeguarding against any missteps.
How to Read
This dua is best recited sincerely and with full conviction in Allah's power to protect. Utter the words clearly, reflecting on their meaning. It's a personal supplication, so raise your hands if you feel moved to do so, and focus your heart on seeking refuge with Allah. Try to make it a consistent habit in your morning routine.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a profound act of acknowledging our own limitations and turning to Allah, the All-Powerful, for protection. It covers the spectrum of our actions: the evil that may have already occurred due to our own failings ('sharri ma 'amiltu') and the potential evil in actions we might have intended or considered but haven't yet undertaken ('sharri ma lam a'mal'). It's a comprehensive plea that encompasses both past regrets and future temptations, seeking to purify our intentions and actions, and to be shielded from the consequences of our shortcomings. This reflects a deep understanding of seeking refuge not just from external harm, but from the harm we ourselves might cause.
Source & Authentication
Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When morning comes, say: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri ma 'amiltu wa min sharri ma lam a'mal.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, and from the evil of what I have not done.) And when evening comes, say the same.'