The psychological wisdom behind supplications made in distress (Supplication by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

It is generally seen that whenever a man is in distress, he starts to knock every door for early redressal of his grievance. This generally happens because of weak faith and not knowing who can really make our bards times go away. Just yesterday, I came across a supplication in which a man was being acknowledged as the sole redresser of one's grievances and ease of bad times. When I tried to correct him by saying that it is Allah alone who can ease one's sufferings and ward off the bad times, he was rather furious for I undermining the 'powers' of the deity he was praying to and banking upon him to ease his sufferings.

Al Qur'an makes it amply clear and verses to this effect are spread over the entire Al Qur'an that it is only Allah alone who can come to help of His servant and none else. Before I present the verses from Al Qur'an, let me share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which links the redressal of grievance to Allah alone. And despite being Allah's most beloved prophet, he did not ask people to come to him for ease of their sufferings - instead he asked his companions and followers to remember Allah in times of distress and acknowledge that Allah alone is the deliverer - no one else.

The Hadith

The hadith is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud 1525 (with similar narrations in other collections).

Narrated Asma' daughter of Umays:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: May I not teach you phrases which you utter in distress? (These are:) "Allah , Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything as partner with Him."

Abu Dawud said: The narrator Hilal is a client of 'Umar b. 'Abd al-Aziz. The name of Ja'far, a narrator, is 'Abd Allah b. Ja'far.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ دَاوُدَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنْ هِلاَلٍ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، عَنِ ابْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ عُمَيْسٍ، قَالَتْ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ أَلاَ أُعَلِّمُكِ كَلِمَاتٍ تَقُولِينَهُنَّ عِنْدَ الْكَرْبِ أَوْ فِي الْكَرْبِ اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لاَ أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا ‏" ‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ هَذَا هِلاَلٌ مَوْلَى عُمَرَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ وَابْنُ جَعْفَرٍ هُوَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

This hadith is one of the Prophet's ﷺ shortest yet most profound teachings on Tawḥīd (the oneness of Allah), reliance upon Him (tawakkul), and emotional resilience in times of distress.

Explanation

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Shall I not teach you words that you should say when you are in distress? اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا - 'Allah, Allah is my Lord. I associate nothing with Him.'"

1. Why did the Prophet ﷺ teach this? Notice something remarkable.

The Prophet ﷺ did not begin by teaching: a technique, a breathing exercise, or a strategy. Instead he began by strengthening belief. Do you know Why?

Because many forms of distress arise when we feel powerless, alone, overwhelmed, uncertain, and even afraid. The Prophet ﷺ redirects the heart to the One who controls every affair.

Phrase-by-phrase meaning of the Hadith

• "Allah, Allah..."
• Repeating Allah's Name is not mere repetition - It is an expression of urgency, love, dependence, and complete attention.
• It is as though the heart is saying: "O Allah! You alone..."
• That is when anxiety scatters our thoughts, this remembrance gathers them back toward Allah.
• This reflects Allah's command: "Remember Me; I will remember you."  (You may like to read one of earlier posts based on verse 152 of Surah Al Baqarah, the second chapter of Al Qur'an which is based on the phrase so highlighted. The link: " So remember Me and I shall remember you."
• "My Lord"
• The Arabic word Rabb means far more than "Lord."
• It means The Creator, Owner, Sustainer, Nurturer, Protector, and One who develops us stage by stage.
• When we acknowledge "Allah is my Rabb," we are actually acknowledging:
• He created me.
• He knows me.
• He controls this situation.
• He has not abandoned me.
• He can change my circumstances at any moment.
• The same echoes in the verse of Al Qur'an: "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?" . 
• This verse is from Surah Az-Zumar (39), Verse 36 - You may like to read its detail from one of earlier posts: Is Allah not sufficient for His servants? - One of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust (tawakkul) in Allah 
• "I associate nothing with Him  لاَ أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا"
• This is the heart of the supplication.
• The believer declares: "I will not place ultimate dependence upon anyone besides Allah."
• This is Tawḥīd in practice. It means:

• I do not believe anyone else independently controls my destiny.
• I do not believe wealth saves me.
• I do not believe power saves me.
• I do not believe status saves me.

Only Allah possesses absolute power.

A deep reflection of the Hadith brings us to the point:  "If Allah should touch you with harm, none can remove it except Him; and if He intends good for you, none can repel His bounty." — Qur'an

1.    Should this mean we cannot seek help from people? 

• The answer is a big NO.
• The Qur'an clearly distinguishes between:
• Seeking lawful human assistance within human ability, and
• Seeking the kind of help that belongs only to Allah.
• This distinction is essential.

2. The Qur'an allows seeking human help

Seeking lawful human assistance within human ability, and Seeking the kind of help that belongs only to Allah.

• This distinction is essential for the Qur'an allows seeking human help.
• Allah says: "Help one another in righteousness and piety." 
• This command assumes believers will help one another.

Another example: When Prophet Musa entered the city, "...the man from his own people called upon him for help against his enemy..." — Qur'an

• Musa responded and helped him.
• The Qur'an does not criticize the man simply for asking another human being for assistance.

3. When does seeking help become problematic?

The issue is not asking people. Rather it is believing that they possess independent, unlimited power that belongs only to Allah.

For example: It is perfectly acceptable to ask:

• a doctor to treat you,
• a teacher to teach you,
• a friend to help you,
• a lawyer to defend you,
• a parent to support you.

These are all means (asbāb) that Allah has created. However, our hearts should recognize: The doctor treats—but Allah grants healing. This is exactly what Prophet Ibrahim said: "...and when I am ill, it is He who heals me." (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, Verse: 26:80). Notice that Ibrahim took means, yet he attributed the cure to Allah.

The Qur'anic balance

• Islam does not teach: "Ignore people and only pray."
• Nor does it teach: "Depend only on people."

Instead it teaches to use the means. but trust Allah for a way out of hard times or ailment.

This is beautifully illustrated by the Prophet ﷺ during the Hijrah. He planned carefully, chose a guide, hid in the cave, and took practical precautions. Yet he said to Abu Bakr: "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." — Qur'an. Thus he combined practical effort with complete trust in Allah.

The psychological wisdom of this supplication

In distress, our minds often exaggerate the power of problems. This duʿā reverses that perspective.

• Instead of focusing on: "My problem is enormous."
• It reminds us: "My Lord is greater."

Though the problem may remain - But your perspective changes. That is why remembrance of Allah brings tranquility.

Allah says: "Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility." — Qur'an

How do we live this hadith today?

1. When faced with illness, (1) See the doctor. (2) Take the medicine and (3) Make this duʿā.

2. When facing financial difficulty, Look for work, Seek advice - and Make this duʿā.

3. When facing anxiety: Speak to trusted family, friends, or a qualified mental health professional if needed, continue your worship - and Make this duʿā.

Islam does not separate spiritual reliance from responsible action.

Connection with the Qur'an

This hadith beautifully summarizes several Qur'anic themes:

• Allah is sufficient.  The phrase "Allah is sufficient" appears in several places in the Quran. The most commonly quoted verses include:
• Surah At-Talaq 65:3 "...And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." (Arabic: وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ) - Read details of this verse from Link
• Surah Al-Anfal 8:64 "O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you."
• Surah Az-Zumar 39:36 "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?" (Arabic: أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ) - Read details of this verse from Link
• The standalone expression "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs" (Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel), it is found in: Surah Aal Imran 3:173 "Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs." Read details of this verse from Link
• Remember Me and I will remember you - Verse 152 of Surah Al Baqarah ( read its detail from one of earlier posts: Is Allah not sufficient for His servants? - One of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust (tawakkul) in Allah )
• Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility. - Surah Ar Ra'ad (The Thunder) Verse 28 (Read explanation of this verse: A small verse that is Spinal Cord of Al Qur’an)
• You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help - Surah Al-Fatihah, Verse: 1:5 (Read explanation of this verse at link)
• Whoever puts their trust in Allah, He is sufficient for them - Surah At-Talaq, Verse: 65:3

These verses are not asking us to reject human assistance. They teach that ultimate reliance (tawakkul), ultimate hope, and ultimate refuge belong to Allah alone, while human beings are honored means through which Allah often answers our prayers.

The essence of the hadith

The Prophet ﷺ is teaching us that the first response to distress should be to re-anchor the heart in Tawḥīd. Before trying to control every circumstance, remind yourself who truly controls them. Then take every lawful step available, seek help from people where appropriate, and entrust the outcome to Allah. This balance—using the means while relying on the Creator of the means—is the Qur'anic path of faith.

Besides faith, this supplication teaches never to resort to Shirk for worldly gains. One may seek help from others or go to doctor for treatment, but remember it is Allah alone Who will decide the outcome.

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo: Pixabay | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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My Lord, help me from falling into an abyss - supplication attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Supplication (duʿāʾ) is one of the most intimate acts of worship — it’s a direct conversation with Allah, where a believer expresses need, gratitude, and submission. Allah promises to listen to one's supplication and grant the supplicator His infinite mercy to redress one's grievances. In fact, supplication is an acknowledgment that we are dependent on Allah for every matter — big or small.

It is promised: “Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell humiliated.” (40:60)

We have already shared a number of supplications both from Qur'an and Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, links given at the end of this post. Today we share a comprehensive supplication which the revered Prophet ﷺ of Allah used to make for the benefit of our readers for these prophetic supplications are very well worded to the Divine mercy into our favour.

Narrated by AbulYusr:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from my house falling on me, I seek refuge in Thee from falling into an abyss, I seek refuge in Thee from drowning burning and decrepitude. I seek refuge in Thee from the devil harming me at the time of my death, I seek refuge in Thee from dying in Thy path while retreating, and I seek refuge in Thee from dying of the sting of a poisonous creature."

حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا مَكِّيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ صَيْفِيٍّ، مَوْلَى أَفْلَحَ مَوْلَى أَبِي أَيُّوبَ عَنْ أَبِي الْيَسَرِ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَدْعُو ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَدْمِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ التَّرَدِّي وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْغَرَقِ وَالْحَرَقِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ يَتَخَبَّطَنِي الشَّيْطَانُ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَمُوتَ فِي سَبِيلِكَ مُدْبِرًا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَمُوتَ لَدِيغًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade:  Sahih (Al-Albani)   صحيح   (الألباني) حكم   

This hadith quotes a comprehensive supplication covering many facets of danger one may face in one's life and seek mercy of Allah from being fallen prey to these dangers. 

The supplication: 

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from:

• House / building falling on me (like a collapse);
• Falling into an abyss;
• Drowning, burning, old age (decrepitude);
• Satan afflicting me at the time of death;
• Dying in Your cause while fleeing;
• Dying from the sting of a venomous creature."

This supplication covers various physical, spiritual, and situational harms, reflect the Prophet’s meticulous preparedness and spiritual mindfulness.

What Each Part Represents & Related Qur'anic Teachings

• Physical Calamities:
• House falling, falling into an abyss, drowning, burning
• Illustrate everyday dangers.
• Here abyss does not only mean falling into a deep pit. An "abyss" is a profound, immeasurable depth or void, either a literal vast chasm like the ocean's depths or a figurative situation of extreme difficulty or despair, such as an "abyss of sorrow" or an "abyss of moral depravity". 
• Likewise the harm that one may face due to a falling house, drowning and burning is extremely difficult to bear and one must always seek protection from deaths from such accounts. As for abyss, beside the fear of falling into a deep pit or craves in mountains from where recovery is almost impossible, one must also seek protection from the moral degeneration which takes a man into an abyss of unrecoverable sinful life.
• Allah's promise to help His devoted servants as mentioned in Qur'an when Prophet Abraham was being thrown in to fire for not heeding to the wishes of the idolaters: “…and We said, ‘O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.’” (21:69) — Divine protection in physical peril.
• Old Age (Decrepitude):
• In Islam, seeking protection from old age, especially feebleness and decrepitude, is encouraged because while old age itself is a natural blessing of a long life, the Prophet ﷺ warned against the loss of physical and mental ability that can come with it.
• Old age is a time when more often than not one is all by himself with friends and family may not be near to help. The helplessness of being old is so depressive that it leaves man into a state of almost mental paralysis, beside physical immobility.
• Therefore one must always seek the Divine mercy and protection from frailty.
• The Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge from reaching a helpless old age:
• “O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness, being sent back to a feeble old age, from the trials of this world, and from the punishment of the grave.” 
• Hadith (Bukhari 2822, Muslim 2706)
• This "being sent back" (الرَّدّ إلى أرذل العمر) refers to the stage when a person loses independence, memory, and dignity.ﷺ
• Satan’s Influence at Death:
• Satan is that creature whose enticement is so strong that even Prophet Adam and his wife Eve fell victims to it and were mislead to the extent of being expelled from Paradise.
• There fore, even the Prophet sought protection from confusion or deception at that critical moment.
• One must constantly seek protection from Satanic machination for when the angel fo death finally comes unannounced, the repentance cannot be accepted.
• In a Hadith, it is mentioned: “When an unjust person is dying and his soul reaches the throat, Satan says, ‘Fear Allah!’ and he replies, ‘Fear how? I disobeyed Him since childhood.’” (Musnad Ahmad)
• Dying in Battle While Fleeing:
• Fighting in the cause of Allah and Islam is one of the greatest blessing one can get in one's life. The martyrs in the name of Allah are promised highest place in Jannah (Paradise) by Allah.
• However, it is most detestable Divinely if one runs away from the battlefield for fear of dying. And if such a person dies while fleeing from the battlefield, it’s not just martyrdom, but martyrdom in the right manner. Fleeing contradicts Islamic valor.
• However, if a body of troops is ordered to retreat as part of military strategy and then if infliction is caused to them, they will still be martyrs.
• Therefore to attain martyrdom with honour, one must pray for an honourable death and protection of a disgraceful death while turning one's back and running out of the battle.
• Qur’an: “…so whoever fights in the way of Allah and is killed or achieves victory — We will grant him a great reward.” (4:74)
• The Prophet ﷺ used to seek: “O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice...." (Hadith (Bukhari 2822)
• Death by a Venomous Sting:
• Even the minutest of causes invoked seeking Allah’s protection.
• This reflects awareness that divine decree includes all matters.

Broader Hadith Parallels

The Prophet also sought refuge from other physical and spiritual dangers in additional supplications (Sunan Abū Dāwūd 1554, for leprosy and madness; 1546 for evil thoughts, etc.) Read our earlier post:

• Protection from trials of Fire and evils of richness and poverty  (Abu Dawud Hadith 1543)
• Supplication for protection against Dangerous Diseases (Abu Dawud Hadith 1554)
• For Good Health and Protection from Torment of Grave (Abu Dawud Hadith 5090)

This supplication thus reflects a broader Islamic principle of acknowledging human limitation and seeking Allah's protection in all circumstances.

Lessons We Can Apply Today

• Spiritual Preparedness The Prophet ﷺ prepared in his supplications for both physical and spiritual challenges, especially at death.
• Comprehensive Reliance on Allah We should pray for protection from calamities, ailments, and moral crises — not just common fears.
• Awareness of Mortality Emulating his example helps believers live with purpose and mindfulness of the Hereafter.
• Avoiding Shameful End Seeking refuge from dying while fleeing shows dignity and bravery remains valued in Islam.
• Trust in Allah’s Mercy Whatever the form of harm, turning to Allah is the foremost remedy.

We need not sing songs and rhymes for our forgiveness. Instead we should constantly seek protection of Allah from every harmful event that may cause our death in pain or cowardice.

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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How to supplicate to Allah for seeking refuge from evil diversions

"Evil" (Arabic: sharr - شَرِّ ) in Islam refers to anything that goes against the commands of Allah and leads to harm — either in this world or the Hereafter. It can manifest in actions, thoughts, desires, or influences, and it works to divert a person from their fitrah (natural disposition) and their connection with Allah.

In Islam, Satan is considered to be the fountainhead of evil. He uses subtle whispers (waswasa - وسوسة) to lure people into sin and forgetfulness of God. 

In Islamic beliefs, waswasa (وسوسة) translates to "whisperings" or "temptations" and is often associated with the whispers of Satan (Shaytan). It's understood as subtle doubts or temptations that can lead to negative thoughts, behaviors, or actions, particularly concerning religious practices and beliefs. While it's sometimes linked to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in modern psychological terms, the Islamic concept of waswasa also includes an element of the metaphysical, involving the influence of Satan. 

Satan’s mission is to misguide humans from the path of Allah as is mentioned in Qur'an -  Surah Al-A'raf (7:17):

"Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”

It is unfortunate that we despite being Muslims and believers of one true God, we call Allah, more often than not fall to the Satanic whispering and get enticed to Satan's evil machination which serve as diversions for us from our well defined straight path, the Siraat ul Mustaqeem. That is why Muslims have always been praying to Allah to save them from the evil and seek refuge from evil diversions.

One such supplication to seek refuge from evil whisperings and enticements is attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب  الوتر / Chapter # 518 Regarding Seeking Refuge / باب   فِي الاِسْتِعَاذَةِ as Hadith number # 1551, quoted herein under:

Narrated Shakl ibn Humayd: I said: Messenger of Allah, teach me a supplication.

He said: Say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of what I hear, from the evil of what I see, from the evil of what I speak, from the evil of what I think, and from the evil of my semen" (i.e. sexual passion).

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حَنْبَلٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الزُّبَيْرِ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، - الْمَعْنَى - عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ، عَنْ بِلاَلٍ الْعَبْسِيِّ، عَنْ شُتَيْرِ بْنِ شَكَلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، فِي حَدِيثِ أَبِي أَحْمَدَ شَكَلِ بْنِ حُمَيْدٍ - قَالَ - قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ عَلِّمْنِي دُعَاءً قَالَ ‏ "‏ قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

Let us breakdown this supplication in parts to better understand it and how to supplicate seeking refuge:

1. "From the evil of what I hear"

Hearing is a major avenue through which evil can enter the heart — such as gossip, lies, slander, or immoral speech.

• Qur'anic reflection: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” — Surah Al-Isra (17:36)
• This verse warns that what we hear (along with seeing and thinking) is not morally neutral. We're accountable for what we expose ourselves to.

2. "From the evil of what I see"

Vision can lead to temptation or moral corruption — for example, by looking at prohibited things or desiring what others have.

• Qur’anic connection: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do.” — Surah An-Nur (24:30)
• Guarding the eyes is tied directly to guarding the heart and desires.

3. "From the evil of what I speak"

Words have power — they can harm, lie, incite, or humiliate.

• Qur’anic foundation: 
• “Not a word does he (man) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” — Surah Qaf (50:18)
• “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70)

4. "From the evil of what I think"

Perhaps this is the most haunting evil from which many of us suffer. Thoughts, while internal, are the starting point for action — both good and evil. Persistently entertaining evil thoughts can lead to sinful behavior.

• Qur’anic relation: “And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.” - Surah Al-Mulk (67:13)
• Allah knows what is in our hearts and minds. Hence, we ask His protection even from our own thoughts.

5. "From the evil of my semen" (i.e., sexual passion)

This refers to seeking refuge from misuse of sexual desire, which can lead to zina (fornication/adultery), addiction, or exploitation.

• Qur’anic parallel: “And those who guard their private parts — except with their wives or those their right hands possess… But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” — Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5–7)
• Sexual desire is natural, but channeling it wrongly leads to serious sin and societal harm.
• That is why in Qur'an men and women have been cautioned to meet in isolation if not married for if such a meeting takes place, the third attendee is the Satan and his evil whisperings often lead to lewdness and unlawful sexual relations.

Summary:

This du‘ā is a request for Allah’s help in protecting us from ourselves — from the evil that can come through our senses, our mind, our words, and our desires. It teaches mindfulness and humility: that even our faculties, if unchecked, can lead us astray. 

Let us supplicate this du'a much too often to seek refuge from every kind of evil diversion so that we do not lose our Eeman and fall into the trap of Satan. 

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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What is Ruqyya and How Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used this form of healing

Everyone of us is prone to ailments, diseases and fevers. This is not something new as today these ailments are attributed to exposure to germs, infections or incapacity of the immune system to fight back the bacteria or virus that creep into our bodies. Other factors, such as dehydration, diet, and environment, can also raise the risk of getting sick. In the absence of medical treatment in the bygone days, people consulted men  who knew about herbs and other natural remedies for curing of the ailment.

This was also so during the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when the harsh summers, draught and inappropriate diet or even access to food due to poverty, people would get sick and looked for treatment from herbs and other means. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often used a spiritual method of healing to cure the sick. 

This method is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 76:  Medicine / كتاب الطب / Chapter 38:  The Ruqya of the Prophet (saws) / باب  رُقْيَةِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم / as Hadith 5743, given herein under:

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to treat some of his wives by passing his right hand over the place of ailment and used to say, "O Allah, the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنِي سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يُعَوِّذُ بَعْضَ أَهْلِهِ، يَمْسَحُ بِيَدِهِ الْيُمْنَى وَيَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ، اشْفِهِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ حَدَّثْتُ بِهِ مَنْصُورًا فَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ نَحْوَهُ‏.‏

Ruqyya in Islamic tradition refers to the practice of spiritual healing, often involving the recitation of specific prayers, verses from the Qur’an, and supplications (duas) to seek healing from illness, both physical and spiritual. 

Let’s break down the hadith and the concept of Ruqyya:

Ruqyya as a Healing Method

In this hadith, Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet ﷺ, describes how the Prophet ﷺ would use his right hand to perform a form of healing on those who were ill, especially his wives. This is a physical and spiritual act of healing, where the Prophet ﷺ would recite a prayer and place his hand on the affected area of the body.

Words of Healing: The prayer recited by the Prophet ﷺ in this hadith is deeply meaningful and reflects a strong sense of tawheed (monotheism). By calling upon Allah as "the Lord of the people" and recognizing that only He can truly heal, the Prophet ﷺ was emphasizing that no matter what the treatment or remedy, the ultimate source of healing is Allah alone. The phrase "healing that will leave behind no ailment" signifies the complete and perfect healing that only Allah can provide—healing that is permanent and free of side effects.

Spiritual and Physical Healing: The act of touching the affected area while reciting the prayer could be seen as an example of spiritual ruqyya, where the Prophet ﷺ combined both physical touch and spiritual supplication to seek Allah's help in curing the illness. It’s a holistic approach to healing—invoking Allah’s mercy while acknowledging human limits.

Concept of Ruqyya in Islam:

Ruqyya refers to the recitation of specific Qur'anic verses and supplications to seek protection or healing from harm, disease, or other negative influences. The concept of ruqyya stems from the understanding that Allah is the ultimate healer and that the Qur’an contains divine words that have healing properties.

Sources of Ruqyya:

The supplications used in Ruqyya are chosen from Qur'an and many prayers made by Prophet ﷺ:

• Qur'anic Verses: Certain verses from the Qur'an are frequently used in ruqyya, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255-257), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas.
• Prophet’s Duas: The supplications (duas) of the Prophet ﷺ are also widely used for healing. These include the prayer mentioned in the hadith you shared.

Types of Ruqyya:

Central to the practice of ruqyya is the absolute belief in Tawheed, which means that healing is solely in the hands of Allah. While seeking medical treatment or using spiritual healing, a Muslim should never attribute healing power to anything other than Allah.

• Ruqyya Shariyyah (Islamic Ruqyya): This involves using Qur’anic recitations, duas, and supplications that are permissible in Islam. It is done to cure illnesses or alleviate harm caused by evil eye, black magic, or spiritual disturbance.
• Ruqyya (Unlawful/Improper Ruqyya): If the recitations involve anything that contradicts Islamic teachings (such as invoking jinn or polytheistic practices), it would be considered shirk (associating partners with Allah) and impermissible.

Method of Ruqyya:

• Recitation: The healer (or the one seeking healing) recites the Qur’anic verses or duas, often blowing or gently placing hands over the sick person’s body, particularly on the areas of pain.
• Blowing: The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have used his breath to blow gently on the patient after reciting verses, symbolizing the dispersal of healing and protection.

Healing Power of the Qur'an:

• The Qur’an is described as having a healing power in many places. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:82): "And We sent down in the Qur’an such things that have healing and mercy for the believers..."
• And in Surah As-Sajda (32:21): "And We sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming what came before it. Surely, Allah’s Word is full of healing and mercy."

The Role of the Healer:

While ruqyya involves seeking Allah’s help, it can be performed by someone who is knowledgeable in the practice, such as an Islamic scholar, a righteous person, or even the patient themselves. However, it’s crucial to remember that ruqyya is not a substitute for medical treatment. Islam encourages seeking medical care while also relying on spiritual healing.

In essence, the hadith you mentioned shows the Prophet ﷺ practicing ruqyya on his loved ones, calling upon Allah as the ultimate healer. The practice of ruqyya is about acknowledging Allah’s power in healing, understanding that no matter what treatment we seek, it is only through Allah’s will that healing can occur. The act of placing the hand and reciting prayers is a way to invoke Allah’s mercy, but it’s not just physical—it connects the spiritual and the physical realms, reinforcing the idea that Allah is the ultimate source of both physical and spiritual well-being.

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

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 ﷺ 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.

Photo | Source of Supplication | Help has been taken from ChatGPT for explanation of the hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Prophetic supplication that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

Life without ensuring a perfect balance always leads to imbalances in everything we do. The same is true for living a perfect balanced worldly life while ensuring keeping one's faith and adherence to tenets of Islam to ensure candidature for an equally perfect and blessed life in the Hereafter. For many keeping such balance is very difficult for the charms and Satanic enticements are so powerful that one loses sight of one's Akhirah and the life of the Hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too cognizant of this fact, always made a special supplication, and encouraged his companions to do so, that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

This supplication is mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 18:  Supplications [Of The Prophet (SAW)]  / باب التَّعَوُّذِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلَ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ يَعْمَلْ / as Hadith 2720, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to supplicate (in these words):

" 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."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ دِينَارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَطَنٍ، عَمْرُو بْنُ الْهَيْثَمِ الْقُطَعِيُّ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ الْمَاجِشُونِ عَنْ قُدَامَةَ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِيَ الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَاىَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This beautiful and profound du'a (supplication) of the Prophet ﷺ, reported by Abu Huraira, reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter). Let’s break it down piece by piece and explore how it aligns with the Qur’an and other hadiths.

Let us breakdown the Hadith for easy understanding:

1. "Set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs."

Meaning that Religion (dīn) is the foundation of a believer’s life, whichgoverns not only worship but how we interact, speak, and live. The Prophet ﷺ asks Allah to preserve and correct his religion because if faith is upright, everything else will follow.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:19)
• “Whoever follows My guidance will not go astray or be miserable.” (Surah Taha 20:123)
• Related hadith:
• "Whoever Allah intends good for, He gives him understanding in the religion." (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This highlights that right guidance in faith is one of the greatest blessings.

2. "Set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living."

The Prophet ﷺ is asking Allah to bless his worldly life, because it’s where we earn, interact, and grow.  A balanced and stable dunya helps us worship better and prepare for the akhirah.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
• This mirrors the Prophet's du’a, emphasizing that a believer does not shun the world, but seeks goodness in it, while remaining focused on the eternal.
• Related hadith:
• "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good..." (Muslim)
• This strength includes physical, financial, and mental capability in the worldly domain.

3. "Set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life."

The ultimate goal is a blessed Hereafter: Jannah (Paradise), peace, and proximity to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ seeks stability and goodness in what comes after death, because everything in this world is temporary.

• Qur’an connection:
• “And the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” (Surah Al-A'la 87:17)
• “Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed triumphed...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that true success lies in the Hereafter, not in worldly wealth or power.

4. "Make life for me (a source) of abundance for every good."

The Prophet ﷺ doesn’t just want to live — he wants to live meaningfully, engaging in acts of goodness, worship, kindness, and benefit to others. This is similar to what is being said in Qur'an:

• “Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent—Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:1–2)
• Life is a test, and the Prophet ﷺ is asking that his time here be filled with beneficial deeds.

5. "Make my death a source of comfort for me, protecting me against every evil."

Meaning that death, for a believer, is not an end but a transition. The Prophet ﷺ seeks a death that is peaceful, a relief from harm, and a gateway to mercy. Let us quote two verses from Qur'an with the same theme:

• Quranic Connection:
• “Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure... (It will be said to them:) 'Peace! A word from a Merciful Lord.'” (Surah Ya-Sin 36:55-58)
• “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• Related hadith:
• “None of you should wish for death... but if he must, then let him say: 'O Allah, keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.'” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This echoes the sentiment of this du'a: let death be a mercy, not a punishment.

Summary Reflection: This hadith is a comprehensive life blueprint from the Prophet ﷺ. It asks Allah to set our faith straight, the root of all things:

• To make our worldly life balanced and beneficial.
• To give us a blessed Hereafter, where real success lies.
• To let our life be productive, not wasted.
• And to let our death be a relief, not a fear.

It’s the ultimate du’a for a balanced, purposeful, and peaceful life, perfectly aligned with Qur’anic values and prophetic wisdom. Let us make this supplications an important part of our life and always be mindful of ensuring a perfect balance  for both Dunya and Akhira. 

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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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The virtue of a short Prophetic supplication (Attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) if recited 100 times a day

Man has a very short and uncertain life to live. No one know when the wordily clock stops ticking for him and the angel of death takes away one's soul. This uncertainty leave no time for a man to repent his wrongdoings and sins. Therefore one should keep repenting to his Creator all the time and seek forgiveness so as not to be caught unaware leaving no time for repentance.

There are numerous supplication that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to recite much too often so that they are forgiven and virtues added to their dossiers. Many of these we have already shared in our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

One more supplication is being shared for the benefit of Muslim sisters and brothers, as mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 10:  The Virtue Of Tahlil (Saying La Ilaha Ill-Allah), Tasbih (Saying Subhan Allah) And (Du'a) Supplication  / باب فَضْلِ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّسْبِيحِ وَالدُّعَاءِ / as Hadith 2691, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

He who uttered these words:" There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Sovereignty belongs to Him and all the praise is due to Him, and He is Potent over everything" one hundred times every day there is a reward of emancipating ten slaves for him, and there are recorded hundred virtues to his credit, and hundred vices are blotted out from his scroll, and that is a safeguard for him against the Satan on that day till evening and no one brings anything more excellent than this, except one who has done more than this (who utters these words more than one hundred times and does more good acts) and he who utters:" Exalted is Allah (He is free from imperfection), and all praise is due to Him," one hundred times a day, his sins are obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ قَالَ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ‏.‏ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ ‏.‏ كَانَتْ لَهُ عَدْلَ عَشْرِ رِقَابٍ وَكُتِبَتْ لَهُ مِائَةُ حَسَنَةٍ وَمُحِيَتْ عَنْهُ مِائَةُ سَيِّئَةٍ وَكَانَتْ لَهُ حِرْزًا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ يَوْمَهُ ذَلِكَ حَتَّى يُمْسِيَ وَلَمْ يَأْتِ أَحَدٌ أَفْضَلَ مِمَّا جَاءَ بِهِ إِلاَّ أَحَدٌ عَمِلَ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ ‏.‏ وَمَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

 

Summary of the Supplication: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever says: Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr

(There is no god but Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs the kingdom and all praise, and He is powerful over everything) — 100 times a day — it is as if he freed 10 slaves, 100 good deeds are written for him, 100 sins erased, and it serves as protection from Satan until the evening. No one can surpass him in reward except one who does more."

And:

"Whoever says: Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as the foam of the sea."

How This Hadith Aligns with the Qur’an

Let’s break down the themes of this hadith and match them with verses from the Qur'an:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Phrase: “Lā ilāha illallāh...” is the central message of Islam is tawheed — that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This shows that the dhikr in the hadith is a direct verbal affirmation of the Qur’anic command to uphold tawheed.

• Qur’an – Surah Muhammad (47:19): "So know [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah..." (فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ)
• Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1): "Say: He is Allah, One."

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Theme: Reciting dhikr regularly brings spiritual reward and protection. The hadith highlights the power of dhikr in attaining peace, reward, and divine attention — just as the Qur’an emphasizes:

• Qur’an – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152): "So remember Me; I will remember you."
• Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28): "...Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."

Good Deeds and Forgiveness: Phrase: “100 sins erased... sins forgiven even if like the foam of the sea” The hadith shows that even major sins (if repented for) can be forgiven through sincere acts of worship and remembrance, aligning perfectly with the Qur’anic message of hope and mercy.

• Qur’an – Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins...'"
• Surah Al-Furqan (25:70): "...except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good..."

Reward Multiplication:  Theme: 100 good deeds, reward equal to freeing 10 slaves. The Prophet ﷺ is giving us practical examples of how simple acts of dhikr can result in immense multiplied reward — exactly as the Qur'an promises.

• Qur’an – Surah Al-An'am (6:160): "Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgment] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit]..."
• Surah Al-Hadid (57:18): "Indeed, the men who give charity and the women who give charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan—it will be multiplied for them..."

Protection from Shayṭān: Theme: Dhikr acts as a shield from the Devil. This hadith teaches that daily remembrance of Allah makes a person spiritually guarded from the whispers and influence of Shayṭān — in line with Qur'anic teachings.

• Qur’an – Surah An-Nahl (16:99-100): 
• "Indeed, he [Satan] has no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord."
• "His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allah."

The Hadith 2691 from Sahih Muslim is thus deeply rooted in the core Qur’anic themes:

• Tawheed
• Dhikr and its rewards
• Mercy and forgiveness
• Multiplication of deeds
• Protection from Shayṭān / Satan

This hadith serves as a daily spiritual formula, combining worship, reflection, and purification in just a few minutes. It's a perfect example of how the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ brings the teachings of the Qur’an to life in simple, actionable ways.

Let us remember these short supplications and recite these 100 times a day or as much we can, for mercy of Allah is boundless and He grants mercy in abundance.

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.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

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 ﷺ 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. For explanation of the Hadith, help has been taken from ChatgPT.

Photo | Source of Supplication

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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