اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ، وَمِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْحَيَاةِ وَالْمَمَاتِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hellfire, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the Dajjal.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannama, wa min 'adhabi-l-qabri, wa min fitnati-l-hayati wa-l-mamati, wa min sharri fitnati-l-masihi-d-dajjal.
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication is ideally recited just before sleeping. It's a powerful way to seek Allah's protection from various forms of torment, both worldly and otherworldly, including the intense heat of hellfire which can be seen as a parallel to physical fire, and the overwhelming nature of drowning.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction before you lay down to sleep. Focus on the meaning of each phrase and the immense mercy and protection that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) offers. It is recommended to have performed Wudu (ablution) beforehand, as it's a practice associated with preparing for sleep.
Virtues & Benefits
While this specific hadith doesn't explicitly mention fire and drowning as separate points, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this comprehensive dua as a safeguard against severe punishments and trials. Seeking refuge in Allah from the punishment of Hellfire is a protection against extreme heat and torment, which can be metaphorically linked to fire. Similarly, seeking refuge from the trials of life and death encompasses seeking protection from sudden and devastating end, like drowning. This dua ensures we are under Allah's protection throughout the night, a time when we are most vulnerable.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions a Dua to say at night, and would not let them sleep without learning it. He used to teach them: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannama, wa min 'adhabi-l-qabri, wa min fitnati-l-hayati wa-l-mamati, wa min sharri fitnati-l-masihi-d-dajjal.' which translates to: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hellfire, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the Dajjal.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). Another related hadith mentions seeking refuge from drowning: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'The drowned person is a martyr.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5704). While this refers to the status of one who drowns, the supplication above offers protection to prevent it.