The pain caused by the sting of insects and arachnids, like scorpions, bees, wasps, hornets, ants and likes is sometimes unbearable – sometimes these cause deaths too. While antidote may not be handily available, one can forestall such hazards by supplicating and invoking protection form Allah – and if one has true faith in Allah, one can be assured of Divine protection.
One such supplication attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 49 The Book Pertaining To The Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance And Seeking Forgiveness - كتاب الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter Zikr E Ilahi, Dua, Tauba Aur Astaghfar / as Hadith number # 6880 as under:
Arabic Text:
قَالَ يَعْقُوبُ وَقَالَ الْقَعْقَاعُ بْنُ حَكِيمٍ عَنْ ذَكْوَانَ أَبِي صَالِحٍ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا لَقِيتُ مِنْ عَقْرَبٍ لَدَغَتْنِي الْبَارِحَةَ قَالَ أَمَا لَوْ قُلْتَ حِينَ أَمْسَيْتَ أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ لَمْ تَضُرَّكَ
Abu Huraira reported that a person came to Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) and said: Allah's Messenger, I was stung by a scorpion during the night. Thereupon he said: Had you recited these words in the evening: I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah from the evil of what He hath created, it would not have done any harm to you.
At another place, this supplication is derived from a hadith narrated by Khawla bint Hakim, who narrated:
I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: "Whoever stops at a place and says, 'I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,' nothing will harm him until he moves from that place." (Sahih Muslim 2708)
Meaning of the supplication:
- Seeking Refuge (A'udhu): The phrase "I seek refuge" indicates a plea for protection and safety. It shows the supplicant's recognition of their vulnerability and their trust in Allah as the ultimate protector.
- In the Perfect Words of Allah (bikalimatillahi at-tammati):
- "Perfect Words of Allah" refers to the Quran and Allah's divine commands, which are flawless, complete, and free from any deficiency. The words of Allah are considered the ultimate source of guidance, power, and protection.
- This implies that by invoking Allah’s perfect words, the supplicant is seeking the most comprehensive and powerful form of protection.
- From the Evil (min sharri):
- "From the evil" encompasses all forms of harm, danger, and malevolence, whether they are physical, spiritual, visible, or hidden.
- This part of the supplication highlights the recognition that evil exists and that humans need protection from its potential harms.
- Of What He Has Created (ma khalaq):
- This phrase acknowledges that Allah is the Creator of everything in existence. It includes seeking protection from all creatures, both animate and inanimate, that could potentially cause harm.
- It also implies a belief that although Allah has created everything, some of His creations can pose a threat or harm, whether through intention or nature.
Significance in Islamic Practice
- Protection and Safety: This supplication is commonly recited for protection against various forms of evil, including physical harm, spiritual dangers, and harmful entities.
- Trust in Allah: By seeking refuge in Allah's words, the supplicant expresses their reliance on Allah's power and acknowledges that ultimate protection can only come from Him.
- Usage in Daily Life: This supplication can be recited at any time, particularly when a person feels threatened or fears harm. It is also recommended to recite it when entering a new place, facing uncertain situations, or when feeling anxious or afraid.
The supplication "I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created" is a concise yet profound prayer that encapsulates a believer's reliance on Allah for protection from all forms of evil. By invoking Allah's perfect words, the supplicant seeks a divine shield against potential harms, demonstrating faith in Allah's supreme power and mercy. This supplication is a valuable part of a Muslim’s spiritual toolkit, offering reassurance and safety in the face of life's uncertainties and dangers.
It is a small supplication, easy to remember, yet it can relive one from the agony of pain if stung by any harmful insects or arachnids. It is better to recite this supplication much too often, especially if one is outdoors, camping or sleeping on bare earth to avoid chances of being stung by these harmful creatures. Special care should be taken against the family of arachnids which abound in the deserts.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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