What is the Istiaza Prayer? When and How to Recite It
As Muslims, it is obligatory for us to seek refuge in Allah from visible and invisible dangers. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) sought refuge in Allah through his actions and words, adhering to divine commands and prohibitions. Istiaza prayers are an important act of worship that protects us from various anxieties and tribulations.
Istiaza Prayers of Our Prophet (peace be upon him)
Below you can find some examples of Istiaza prayers with their Arabic pronunciations, meanings, and sources:
1. Prayer for Refuge from the Punishment of the Grave and Hell
Narrated by Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Meaning: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, from the punishment of Hell, from the trials of life and death, and from the tribulation of the Dajjal.” (Bukhari, Adhan, 149)
2. Prayer for Refuge from Stinginess and Cowardice
According to a narration from Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sought refuge in this way:
Meaning: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from stinginess, from cowardice, from being returned to old age, from the tribulation of the world, and from the punishment of the grave.” (Bukhari, Tafsir, Surah: 16)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) began seeking refuge from old age after the revelation of the verse “And among you is he who is brought low to a wretched state of life” (An-Nahl, 70).
3. Prayer for Protection from Evil
According to a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sought refuge in this way:
Meaning: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from laziness, old age, committing sins, being in debt, the tribulation of the grave, the punishment of the grave, the tribulation of Hell, the punishment of Hell, the tribulation of wealth, and poverty. I seek refuge in You! And I also seek refuge in You from the tribulation of Al-Masih ad-Dajjal. O Allah! Wash away my sins with snow and hail, purify my heart from sins as You purified the white garment from filth, and keep between me and my sins as far as you have kept between the East and the West.” (Bukhari, Adab, 39)
4. Prayer for Refuge in Allah’s Majesty
According to a narration from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) in Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Meaning: “O Lord! I seek refuge in Your majesty, which is that there is no god but You, who does not die, while jinn and humans do die.” (Bukhari, Iman, 13; Tawhid, 7; Muslim, Zikr, 68)
5. Prayer for Refuge from Punishment
According to a narration from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him):
After the revelation of the verse “O Prophet, warn your community about the Day when a punishment will come down upon them like the flood that struck Noah’s people and the stones that rained down on Midian.” (An-Nahl, 65), he said:
“O Lord! I seek refuge in Your countenance from such punishment!”
In another recitation of the same verse:
“O Lord! I seek refuge in Your countenance from such punishment!”
6. Prayer for Refuge from Iblis
“When Iblis (Satan) descended to the earth, he said to Allah: – O my Lord, You have brought me down to the earth and made me rejected. So grant me a home.
Allah said: – A bathhouse.
– Grant me an assembly place, he said; – The marketplaces and crossroads, He said.
– Grant me a drink, he said; – Every intoxicating thing, He said.
– Grant me a crier, he said; – Musicians, He said.
– Grant me a book, he said; – Tattoos that people make on their bodies, He said.
– Grant me a word, he said; – Your words are lies, He said.
– Grant me a prophet, he said; – False prophets, He said.” (Rumuz al-Ahadis, p. 332)
Benefits of the Istiaza Prayer
Istiaza prayers protect us from various dangers and strengthen our spiritual health. Regularly reciting these prayers helps us draw closer to Allah and earn His pleasure.