اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'. Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when a Muslim realizes they have engaged in, or profited from, usury (riba). It should be recited with sincere repentance and a firm intention to cease such dealings and seek lawful earnings. It can be recited at any time, but is especially potent during the late hours of the night or after obligatory prayers, when supplication is readily answered.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, humility, and a genuine sense of regret for past involvement in riba. Raise your hands as you supplicate, showing your dependence on Allah. Ensure your heart is present and focused on seeking Allah's forgiveness and guidance away from unlawful earnings. This dua is a plea for protection against various forms of spiritual and worldly harm, including the temptation and consequences of engaging in financial dealings that displease Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication encompasses seeking refuge from four detrimental things: useless knowledge, a heart devoid of God-consciousness, an insatiable soul, and unanswered prayers. By seeking protection from these, one is better equipped to avoid sins like riba. The second part of the dua asks for four essential qualities: guidance (hidayah) to the right path, piety (taqwa) to fear Allah, chastity ('afaf) to remain pure from unlawful desires and earnings, and contentment (ghina) with what Allah has provided, thus removing the need to resort to riba for wealth. Avoiding riba is a divine command, and seeking refuge and asking for these qualities is a means to remain steadfast.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Mas'ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.) [Sahih Muslim 2721]. Another narration states: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.)'