اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, and the evil of my sight, and the evil of my tongue, and the evil of my heart, and the evil of my desires (or semen).
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri sam'i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua can be recited at any time, but it's particularly poignant to seek Allah's protection from inner corruption and outward betrayal before facing challenging situations, or as a regular part of your morning or evening supplications. It's a proactive measure against the subtle and overt dangers that can fracture communities and individuals.
How to Read
Recite with sincere intention and a humble heart. Raise your hands in supplication as you would for other duas. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, recognizing that the greatest protection comes from the One who controls all affairs. Ensure you are in a state of purity if possible, though sincerity is the primary requirement.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a powerful shield against internal weaknesses that can lead to hypocrisy (munafiqah) and betrayal. By seeking refuge in Allah from the evils within our senses, tongue, and heart, we safeguard ourselves from succumbing to doubt, slander, ill-will, and lusts that can corrupt individuals and, by extension, the Ummah. It helps foster a community built on sincerity, truthfulness, and genuine concern for one another.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of his hearing, his sight, his tongue, his heart, and his desires. [Sunan Abi Dawud 1554, Sunan An-Nasa'i 5529, graded Hasan by scholars like Al-Albani]. This hadith highlights the Prophet's ﷺ constant awareness of potential inner ailments and his reliance on Allah for protection against them. These elements—hearing, sight, tongue, heart, and desires—are the very channels through which good or evil can enter and influence a person, making them critical areas to protect. Guarding these aspects is crucial for individual righteousness and for the health of the collective Ummah, preventing discord sown by hypocrisy and treachery.