اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظَلَّتْ، وَرَبَّ الأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَقَلَّتْ، وَرَبَّ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَمَا أَضَلَّتْ، كُنْ لِي جَارًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ كُلِّهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ، أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَى، عَزَّ جَارُكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and what they have overshadowed, Lord of the seven earths and what they have contained, Lord of the devils and what they have misled. Be my neighbor from all Your creation, that any one of them might aggress against me or transgress against me. Mighty is Your protection, and blessed is Your name, and there is no god but You.
Allahumma rabba-s-samawati-s-sab'i wa ma azallat, wa rabba-l-aradeena-s-sab'i wa ma aqallat, wa rabba-sh-shayateeni wa ma adallat, kun li jaran min khalqika kullihim ajma'een, an yafruta 'alayya ahadun minhum aw an yatgha, 'azza jaruk, wa tabaraka-smuk, wa la ilaha illa ant.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you find yourself in a new environment, feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar customs, social norms, or even the general atmosphere. It's perfect for those moments when you're struggling to understand the local culture and feel a sense of unease or alienation. Recite it before stepping out into a new setting, or whenever you feel the weight of culture shock settling in.
How to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication, so try to recite it with sincere intention and focus. Imagine Allah's vast power encompassing everything you mentioned – the heavens, the earths, and even the unseen forces. Picture His protection as a shield around you, granted by His grace. Speak the words with clarity, ideally facing the Qiblah if you can, and with a humble heart seeking refuge and support.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers profound protection and comfort when facing the unknown or potentially challenging situations. By invoking Allah as the Lord of all creation, you are reminding yourself (and Him) of His ultimate dominion and power. It helps to alleviate feelings of vulnerability and anxiety that often accompany culture shock, by seeking Allah's 'neighborliness' – a powerful metaphor for close protection and support. It grounds you in the reality of Allah's care, even when the human world around you feels disorienting.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever says: 'Allahumma rabba-s-samawati-s-sab'i wa ma azallat, wa rabba-l-aradeena-s-sab'i wa ma aqallat, wa rabba-sh-shayateeni wa ma adallat, kun li jaran min khalqika kullihim ajma'een, an yafruta 'alayya ahadun minhum aw an yatgha, 'azza jaruk, wa tabaraka-smuk, wa la ilaha illa ant,' (O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and what they have overshadowed, Lord of the seven earths and what they have contained, Lord of the devils and what they have misled. Be my neighbor from all Your creation, that any one of them might aggress against me or transgress against me. Mighty is Your protection, and blessed is Your name, and there is no god but You) – then it is incumbent upon Allah to protect him." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 36, Hadith 3871)