اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الرِّيَاءِ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the trial of showing off and the hypocrites.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min fitnatir-riyaa wal-munafiqeen
When to Read
This is a powerful supplication to recite regularly, especially during times when you might feel tested by the desire to seek people's approval or when you witness or fear the spread of hypocrisy. It's particularly relevant after prayers, in the morning and evening, and whenever you feel your intentions might be wavering.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, looking towards the sky. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly asking Allah for protection from the unseen (and sometimes seen) ways hypocrisy can manifest in our lives and hearts. It's a plea for sincerity in our worship and our actions.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for protection from two deeply damaging spiritual ailments: Riya (showing off, seeking praise from creation rather than the Creator) and hypocrisy itself. Hypocrisy is one of the gravest sins, and Riya invalidates acts of worship. By seeking refuge, we acknowledge our weakness and Allah's absolute power to shield us, fostering a deeper reliance on Him and a purer intention in our deeds. This constant seeking of refuge helps purify the heart and ensure our worship is solely for Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from paralysis, from the worst of fates, from the worst of disasters, and from the worst of evils in what I do and what I conceal.' He also used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the trial of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Fire, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of wealth, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of poverty, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Antichrist. O Allah, purify my heart from hypocrisy, and forbid my actions from showing off, and forbid my tongue (from lying).' Anas said: 'And I seek refuge in You from the trial of Riya (showing off) and the hypocrites.' [Note: The hadith mentions multiple seeking of refuge statements. The specific phrase for hypocrisy and Riya is mentioned as something Anas narrated in addition, or as part of the Prophet's (ﷺ) broader supplications for protection.]