اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّا نَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيْعِ سَخَطِكَ، اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّا نَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ. اَللّٰهُمَّ اهْدِنَا وَارْزُقْنَا وَاكْفِنَا وَأَعِذْنَا، وَاحْفَظْ عَلَيْنَا إِيْمَانَنَا وَثَقَافَتَنَا وَتُرَاثَنَا الْإِسْلَامِيَّ، وَاجْعَلْهُ حُجَّةً لَنَا لَا عَلَيْنَا.
O Allah, indeed we seek refuge in You from the cessation of Your blessings, the reversal of Your well-being, the suddenness of Your wrath, and all of Your displeasure. O Allah, we seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humbled, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard. O Allah, guide us, provide for us, suffice us, and protect us. And preserve for us our faith, our culture, and our Islamic heritage, and make it a proof for us, not against us.
Allahumma inna na'udhu bika min zawali ni'matika, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatika, wa fuja'ati niqmatika, wa jami'i sakhatik. Allahumma inna na'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'. Allahumma ihdina warzuqna wakfina wa a'idhana, wahfadh 'alayna imanana wa thaqafatana wa turathanal islamiya, waj'alhu hujjatan lana la 'alayna.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when witnessing or experiencing efforts of cultural assimilation that threaten to erode Islamic artistic expressions, literary traditions, and historical narratives. Recite it during times of uncertainty, when engaging in community discussions about cultural preservation, or as a regular practice for safeguarding our heritage.
How to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication. Begin with a sincere heart, acknowledging Allah's power and our reliance on Him. Utter the words with conviction, reflecting on each phrase. It is beneficial to raise your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did when making dua, and to face the Qiblah if possible. Make it a personal and communal practice, perhaps after obligatory prayers or during times of reflection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua seeks refuge from the loss of divine favors, which directly applies to the preservation of valuable intellectual and artistic assets. By asking for protection against knowledge that doesn't benefit, we pray for guidance to discern and uphold true Islamic scholarship and art. The plea for a heart that is humbled and a soul that is satisfied encourages a connection to Allah that safeguards against adopting external, potentially harmful influences. The crucial part, 'And preserve for us our faith, our culture, and our Islamic heritage, and make it a proof for us, not against us,' is a direct appeal for divine protection over the very essence of our identity and tradition.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this comprehensive dua for seeking refuge. While the core of the dua focuses on general well-being and protection from various evils, the latter part, which we've adapted and extended, specifically invokes Allah to preserve our faith, culture, and heritage. The original hadith in Sahih Muslim 2708 is: 'The Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge with these words: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matihi, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatihi, wa fuja'ati niqmatihi, wa jami'i sukh--tihi.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the cessation of Your blessings, the change of Your protection, the vengeance of Your punishment, and all that You are displeased with). Our adaptation extends this to include the protection of our specific heritage, which is a valid extension of seeking refuge from all forms of divine displeasure and loss of blessings.