اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ الْأَرْبَعِ
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. And I seek refuge in You from these four.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma', wa a'udhu bika min ha'ulal-arba'.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly relevant when you feel overwhelmed by seeing societal ills or individual transgressions and are frustrated by your inability to change them. It's a moment to turn to Allah, acknowledging our limitations and seeking His divine help to purify our intentions and our inner selves, even when external action feels impossible.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on each phrase, truly internalizing the plea for refuge. Understand that seeking knowledge that doesn't benefit can lead to pride or misuse, a heart that doesn't fear Allah can become hardened, an unsatisfied soul is perpetually restless, and an unheard supplication can lead to despair. This dua is about seeking protection from these internal states that can exacerbate the pain of witnessing external wrongs.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication protects us from spiritual stagnation and inner turmoil. By seeking refuge from useless knowledge, we are guided towards beneficial learning. Protection from a heart lacking 'khushu' (reverence and awe of Allah) keeps our connection with Him alive. Guarding against an unsatisfied soul promotes contentment. And seeking refuge from unheard prayers reminds us to perfect our supplication and trust in Allah's wisdom in His response. It helps maintain spiritual equilibrium when faced with external difficulties.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not fear You, and from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.' Then he said: 'I have four things. Do not narrate any of them except with their like.'