“Allahümme inni euzü bike min şerri ma amiltu…” Dua – What is it recited for?
According to a narration from Hz. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite this prayer:
Arabic Text:
Turkish Reading:
“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 Prayer 32; Nasa’i, Mistakes 63, Seeking Refuge 58, 59; Ibn Majah, Supplication 3)
Prayer of Seeking Refuge from the Evil of Done and to be Done Deeds
According to a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite this prayer:
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 from the evil of what I will do.
Muslim, Remembrance 65, 66. Also see Abu Dawud, Night Prayer 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 prayer the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) recited most often, and she mentioned this prayer.
“From the evil of what I have done” encompasses sins that a person commits knowingly or unknowingly. Even good deeds that a person should do but fails to do are included in this prayer. Whoever recites this prayer is as if making the following supplication: O Lord, forgive all my sins for which I am obligated to account in this world or hereafter, and for which I need Your forgiveness and mercy!
“From the evil of what I will do” is more comprehensive. The sins that a person has not yet committed but could commit in the future are included in this phrase. A person may be able to commit more sins than they have already done. For example, some people who strongly avoid sin can become arrogant and proud of their behavior, which itself is a sin. As stated in the verse, there are trials that not only reach those who oppress but also ruin others [Surah Al-Anfal (8), 25]. By reciting this comprehensive prayer, 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 both avoid doing things that Allah does not approve of and ask for His help to protect himself from behaviors unbecoming of a believer.” (Riyazus Salihin, Erkam Publications)