اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا أَعْلَمُهُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُهُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I know not.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min an ushrika bika shai'an a'lamuhu, wa astaghfiruka lima la a'lamuhu
When to Read
Recite this dua before sleeping. It's a profound way to safeguard your heart and actions before resting, especially if you carry the weight of responsibilities, trusts (amanat), or promises made during the day. It allows you to entrust these matters to Allah's protection and seek His strength for fulfillment.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with clear intention before lying down to sleep. Place your right hand on your right side, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when sleeping. Focus on the meaning and the act of seeking Allah's protection and forgiveness.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is crucial for maintaining Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) by consciously seeking refuge from the greatest sin, Shirk (associating partners with Allah). By seeking forgiveness for what we don't know, we acknowledge our human limitations and dependence on Allah's mercy. It helps clear the heart and mind before sleep, preparing us for a peaceful rest and ensuring we are better equipped to fulfill our trusts and promises upon waking, with Allah's help.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and of the Great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of everything, Revealer of the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran, Feller of the grain and the date-stone! I seek refuge in You from the evil of every beast that You seize by its forelock. O Allah, You are the First, there is nothing before You; You are the Last, there is nothing after You; You are the Apparent, there is nothing above You; You are the Hidden, there is nothing below You. Settle our debt and enrich us from poverty.' He (the narrator) said: 'And he used to recite: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min an ushrika bika shai'an a'lamuhu, wa astaghfiruka lima la a'lamuhu.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I know not.)