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 dua is particularly relevant when one realizes they may have spoken ill, gossiped, or engaged in backbiting (ghibah), even if unintentionally, while fasting. It's a comprehensive supplication for seeking Allah's protection against the consequences of both actions taken and actions avoided, covering speech as well. It's fitting to recite this dua at any point during the day or night, especially after a moment of reflection on one's conduct.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, acknowledging your human fallibility. Raise your hands slightly in supplication, as is customary for many duas, and focus on the meaning of the words. It's a personal plea to Allah for protection and forgiveness.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, encapsulates seeking refuge from all forms of misdeeds, including those related to speech. For the fasting person, it's an extra layer of spiritual safeguarding. By seeking refuge from the 'evil of what I have done,' we address any unintentional negative speech. The 'evil of what I have not done' can be interpreted to include the harm we *could* have caused but didn't, or the good deeds we failed to do. It fosters humility and a constant awareness of Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what he had done and the evil of what he had not done. He would say: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri ma 'amiltu wa min sharri ma lam a'mal. (Sahih Muslim 2716). This narration highlights the Prophet's ﷺ comprehensive reliance on Allah for protection against all potential harms, seen and unseen, intended or unintended.