“Allahümme innî eûzü bike min şerri ma ‘amiltu…” Dua: What Does It Mean?
According to a narration from Hz. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) recited the following dua:
Arabic Recitation:
Turkish Recitation:
“Allahümme innî e’ûzü bike min şerri ma ‘amiltu ve min şerri ma lem a’mel.”
Meaning:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done and from the evil of what I will do.” (Muslim, Remembrance 65, 66. Also see Abu Dawud, Night Prayers 32; Nasa’i, Mistakes 63, Seeking Refuge 58, 59; Ibn Majah, Supplication 3)
Dua for Protection from the Evil of Actions Done and to be Done
According to a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would recite this dua:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلْتُ ومِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ أَعْمَلْ
“Allâhümme innî eûzü bike min şerri mâ amiltü ve min şerri mâ lem a‘mel”
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done and will do.
(Muslim, Remembrance 65, 66. Also see Abu Dawud, Night Prayers 32; Nasa’i, Mistakes 63, Seeking Refuge 58, 59; Ibn Majah, Supplication 3)
Explanations
A person from the Tabi’un generation asked Hz. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) which dua the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recited most often, and she mentioned this dua.
“From the evil of what I have done” encompasses sins that a person commits knowingly or unknowingly. Even good deeds that a person should have done but did not are included in this dua. A person making such a dua is as if supplicating: O Lord, forgive all my sins for which I am obligated to render an account in this world or the hereafter, and for which I need Your forgiveness and mercy!
“From the evil of what I will do” is more comprehensive. This expression also includes sins that a person has not yet committed but may commit later. A person’s potential sins may be greater than those they have already done. For example, some individuals who are strongly wary of sin can become arrogant due to their behavior, which itself is a sin. As stated in the verse, there are trials that not only reach the oppressors but also ruin others [Surah Al-Anfal (8), 25]. By reciting this comprehensive dua, a person seeks refuge from potential troubles.
Lessons Learned from the Hadith
- One should seek refuge in Allah from the punishments that may come as a result of sins committed.
- A person should avoid doing things that Allah does not approve of, and should also ask for His help to protect himself from behaviors and actions unbecoming of a believer.” (Riyazus Salihin, Erkam Publications)