Seek protection against all kinds of harm using the words of our Noble Prophet (PBUH).
Seek protection against all kinds of harm using the words of our Noble Prophet (PBUH).
To recognise that the world, and our lives, will always be full of the unknown and the uncontrollable is to recognise the truth of how indebted we are to Allah (SWT). We must acknowledge that Allah Alone Knows and Decides what is ordained for each of us, and we must accept whatever He has written for our lives.
This doesn’t mean, however, that we silently allow anything and everything to happen to ourselves or our loved ones. We should regularly recite duas to Allah (SWT) for protection against any harm that may come our way from many sources, such as the whispers of Satan, other people and even from within, due to our weak resolve in resisting the urge to sin. Reciting duas for protection was also a prophetic practice. It was Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) way of illustrating his total reliance on none other than God.
Here are 16 duas our Prophet would recite for protection against harm:
1. Dua for Protection From Illness and Disease
While remembering that every event, trial, and perceived hardship in life is from Allah (SWT) Himself, we can, however, help protect ourselves from the harm of illnesses and diseases that we are afraid of suffering from – there is nothing shameful in praying to Allah for good health.
Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, insanity, elephantiasis, and the worst of disease.”
[Abu Dawud]
2. Dua for Protection From Sickness
We all fall sick during our lives, some more than others, and it is a part of being human. It is important, however, to continuously pray to Allah (SWT) for both thankfulness for our health and for protection against harm and pain that may come from sicknesses. Whatever the outcome of our prayers and health, we must always remember that it is specifically decreed by Allah (SWT) Himself.
Oh Allah, Lord of mankind, do away with my suffering. Heal (me) as You are the only Healer and there is no cure except that of yours, it is that which leaves no ailment behind.”
[Bukhari]
3. Dua for Leaving the House
The world is a wide and open journey of ups and downs, hardship and happiness, comfort and fear. Before leaving the house, whether it is for a short trip down the street or for an unknown journey into a new step of our life, we must always first acknowledge our trust and faith in Allah, that He will guide us wherever He sees fit.
“In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah; there is no might and no power except by Allah.”
4. Dua for Protection From Fear and Anxiety
It is a normal human emotion to feel anxiety and fear – but we must remember to always seek refuge in Allah and to acknowledge that although we may feel weak at times, we will still always trust in Allah’s decisions and miracles. Acknowledging Allah’s power over everything can also bring a new level of calmness and peace into our lives as well.
“Oh Allah, suffice [i.e. protect] me against them whoever You wish.”
[Muslim]
5. Dua For Protection of Family From Every Evil
We often fear for our families the most, and it is common to forsake our own safety and comfort for the safety and comfort of our most loved ones. It remains imperative, therefore, that instead of believing that we ourselves are fully in charge of protecting our family, we first must remember that Allah is in charge of us all. We must continuously give thanks and fully believe that Allah is the only One capable of truly protecting our family and loved ones.
I seek protection in the Perfect Words of Allah from every evil that has been created.”
[Muslim]
6. Dua For Protection Against Calamities
Despite the many wars, natural disasters, and terrifying events that alter the lives of so many around the world, we must always remember that it is Allah and Allah alone that plans and decides exactly what happens here on earth. To make dua for His love, protection, and mercy is at the core of believing in His Greatness – and we must never cease in praying and loving Allah.
“Oh Allah protect me from my front, behind me, from my right and from my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your Magnificence from being taken unaware from beneath me.”
[ibn Majah]
7. Dua For Protection Against Hellfire
Entering the fire of hell is the worse thing to happen to any human being. The Prophet would recite the following dua to seek protection from hell:
O Allah, give us in this world what is good and in the next what is good, and protect us from the punishment of Hell-fire”.
[Sunan Abu Dawud]
8. Dua For Protection Against Bad Weather
When travelling during bad weather conditions or when a natural disaster strikes, we can recite the following dua to ask Allah (SWT) to protect us from the bad effects of weather conditions. Here are the words the Prophet would recite when he felt strong winds:
O Allah, I ask you from the good with which it is sent and I seek your protection from the evil with which it is sent”.
[Adab al-Mufrad]
9. Dua For Protection Against Allah’s Punishment
Allah’s (SWT) Mercy is a protective shadow that engulfs both Muslims and non-Muslims (in different degrees). It is only the mercy of Allah (SWT) that is stopping punishment from raining down on us from the results of our sins. The Prophet would seek protection from Allah’s (SW) punishment with the following dua:
O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the withdrawal of Thine blessing and the change of Thine protection (from me) and from the sudden wrath of Thine, and from every displeasure of Thine.”
[Muslim]
10. Dua For Protection Against Removal of Blessings and His Anger
The Prophet is the most God-fearing man to have ever lived. He believed in Allah’s infinite Mercy but was never arrogant enough to think he’d always be protected from it. This is why he would recite the following dua:
O Allah, I seek refuge in You that Your blessings are lifted, and Your protection (of me) is changed, and in the suddenness of Your punishment, and from all Your anger.”
[Sunan Abu Dawud]
11. Dua For Protection Against Using One’s Own Body for Sins
All our sins stem from our body parts. We use our eyes and ears to watch and listen to haram. We use our tongues to gossip and utter obscene language. We fill our bodies with food and drink made forbidden. The metaphysical part of our body, the nafs, calls us to fulfil our desires no matter what the cost. We have to be careful and alert against how we use our bodies. The Prophet realised this, which is why he would supplicate:
O Allah, protect me from the evil of my sight and hearing, my tongue, my heart, and the evil of my desire.”
[Adab al-Mufrad]
12. Dua For Protection Against General Trials of the World
It is reported that the following dua would be recited the most by the Prophet. Traditions state he recited this dua after every fard salah:
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from stinginess, I seek refuge in You from cowardice, I seek refuge in You from old age (and senility), I seek refuge in You from the temptation of the world and I seek refuge in You from the punishment in the grave.”
[Bulugh al-Maram]
13. A General Dua for Protection
Seeking forgiveness is a type of asking for protection. Because you’re essentially asking God for protection from hell and the punishment. The Prophet would say:
O Allah, grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to the path of righteousness, grant me protection and provide me sustenance.”
[Muslim]
14. Dua for Protection Against Disbelief and Evil
The worst thing that could happen to a Muslim is turning to disbelief (God forbid!). This is a general dua the Prophet would recite to ask Allah to set the affairs right for his worldly life and afterlife:
O Allah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life. And make the life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil.”
[Muslim]
15. Dua for Protection Against The Mischief of People
Are you worried that someone might be planning to cause you harm? The Prophet would say this dua for protection against mischievous people:
O Allah! We ask You to face them, and seek Your Protection against their evil.”
[Riyad al-Saliheen]
16. Dua Seeking Protection Against Useless and Harmful Knowledge
Not all knowledge is useful. Some knowledge, such as accumulating information about the life of celebrities and excessively watching TV, is useless. It won’t benefit us in the hereafter. Some knowledge, such as black magic, can even cause harm. The Prophet would simply say the following for protection against useless/harmful knowledge:
O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the knowledge which does not benefit (me).”
[Muslim]
