The Fortified Fortress from the Accursed Shaytaan

1. Ikhlaas (Sincerity)

When Iblees realized that he had no power over the people of Ikhlaas (sincerity); he excluded them from the group of people whom he had set out to mislead and ruin. He said:

“By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen slaves who are Mukhliseen (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).” [Surat Saad (38:82-83)]

Ikhlaas is the means of getting rid of Shaytaan.

For the people of Ikhlaas, all their actions are for Allaah, their sayings are for Allaah, their giving is for Allaah, their withholding is for Allaah, and their love and hate are for the Sake of Allaah.

Abu ‘Umamah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone loves for Allaah’s Sake, hates for Allaah’s Sake, gives for Allaah’s Sake and withholds for Allaah’s Sake, he will have perfect faith.”^{1Reported by Abu Dawoud (4681) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawoud.}

So, for the people of Ikhlaas, “their affairs and dealings– apparent and hidden – are for the Sake of Allaah Alone; they do not seek reward or gratitude from the people for those actions, nor do they seek honor/ respect, nor praise, nor status in the hearts of people. They do not run away from their dispraise; rather they consider the people like the people in the graves – i.e., they can neither harm them nor benefit them, neither give life nor cause death nor resurrection.”^{2Madarij As-Salikeen (1/83)}

Know that “the most difficult thing for the self is to make one’s actions purely for Allaah – away from Shaytaan^{3Ar-Ruh, p. 306} – and none is given this Tawfeeq (guidance) except those whom Allaah helps and supports with His Rahmah (Mercy), and protects him, and opens up the insight of his heart for guidance.”^{4Ar-Ruh p. 321}

2. Recitation of the Qur’an

Abu Qatadah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went out one night and found Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) praying in a low voice, and he passed by ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) who was raising his voice while praying. When they both met the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) together, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘I passed by you Abu Bakr when you were praying in a low voice.’ He replied, ‘I made Him hear with Whom I was holding an intimate conversation, O Messenger of Allaah.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to ‘Umar, ‘I passed by you when you were praying in a loud voice.‘ He replied, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I was awakening the drowsy and driving away the Shaytaan.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) remarked: ‘Raise your voice a little, O Abu Bakr.’ And he said to ‘Umar, ‘Lower your voice a little.‘”⁵Reported by Abu Dawoud (1329) and graded Saheeh by Al-Albaani

3. Reciting Surat Al-Baqarah

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: ‘Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Shaytaan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.‘”^{6Reported by Muslim (780)}

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reports from the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “Indeed, everything has a Sanaam (pinnacle), and the Sanaam of the Qur’an is Surat Al-Baqarah. When Shaytaan hears the Qur’an being recited, he leaves the house where Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.“^{7Reported by Al-Hakim (1/521, no. 2060) as a Mawqoof and Marfoo narration. Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) graded it Hasan in As-Saheehah (588).}

‘Sanaam’ of something is its pinnacle, and accordingly, the meaning is that Surat Al-Baqarah is the pinnacle of the Qur’an and its peak (the loftiest).

4. Ayatul-Kursi

It is affirmed in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari that whosoever recites Ayatul-Kursi when he goes to bed, the protection of Allaah will remain over him and Shaytaan will not come near him until dawn.^{8See Al-Bukhaari (2311, 3275, and 501)}

It is affirmed in the book “Actions of the Day and Night” by An-Nasaa’i that whosoever recites Ayatul-Kursi in the morning will be protected from the Jinn until evening, and whoever says it in the evening will be protected from them until the morning.^{9Amal Al-Yawm wal-layl (961)}

5. Last two Verses of Surat Al-Baqarah

An-Nu’man ibn Bashir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, Allaah wrote in a book two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, and He sent down two Ayat from it to end Surat Al-Baqarah with. If they are recited for three nights in a home, no Shaytaan shall come near it.”¹⁰Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2882) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3/154)

6. Mu’awwadhatain

These two Surahs (Al-Falaq and An-Naas) have a profound effect in seeking refuge in Allaah from the evil of the Shaytaan and expelling him and in protecting a slave from him. In fact, the need of the slave to seek refuge with these two Surahs is greater than his need for food and drink.

Abu Sa’eed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would seek refuge from Jinn and the evil eye of man – until the two chapters of refuge were revealed, Al-Falaq and An-Naas. After they were revealed, he held to both of them and left everything else.^{11Reported by An-Nasaa’i (5496) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan An-Nasaa’i (5069)}

‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “While I was traveling with Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) between al-Juhfa and al-Abwa, a wind and intense darkness enveloped us, whereupon Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) began to seek refuge in Allaah reciting, “I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn” and “I seek refuge in the Lord of men (i.e., Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Naas).” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then said: “O ‘Uqbah! Use them when seeking refuge in Allaah, for no one can use anything to compare with them for the purpose (Al-Isti’adhah).“^{12Reported by Abu Dawoud (1463). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (7949)}

7. Saying Tahleel one-hundred times

Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa salam) said: “Whoever says ‘La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulku wa lahul- hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir’ one hundred times in a day, will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying it) will be a shield for him from Shaytaan on that day till night…“^{13Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3293, and 6403) and Muslim (2691)}

This shield is very beneficial and very advantageous; it brings ease on whomsoever Allaah bestows upon.^{14Al-Bidayah’ Al-Fawa’id (3/814)}

8. Increase in the Dhikr of Allaah (Remembering Allaah profusely)

Al-Harith Al-Ash’ari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, Allaah commanded Yahya ibn Zakariyya with five commandments to abide by, and to command the Children of Isra’eel to abide by them…. (amongst those five is)… ‘I command you to remember Allaah. For indeed the parable (the likeness) of that is a man whose enemy quickly tracks him until he reaches an impermeable fortress in which he protects himself from them. This is how the worshiper is; he does not protect himself from Shaytaan except by the remembrance of Allaah…‘”^{15Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2863) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3/145)}

The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said in this Hadeeth, that the slave cannot protect himself from Shaytaan except with Dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah. So there is no protection for the slave from Shaytaan like the protection with the Dhikr of Allaah.^{16Bidayah’ Al-Fawa’id (2/817)}

Whosoever increases in the Dhikr of Allaah, the Shaytaan with him will be in severe torment. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A believer will exhaust his Shaytaan just like one of you exhausts his camel on a journey.“^{17Reported by Ahmad (2/380, and 8927).} Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) graded its Isnad as Hasan in As-Saheehah (3586) Meaning – it causes Shaytaan to become exhausted i.e., sick and weak due to increased humiliation, captivating him under one’s power by carrying out the orders of Allaah, staying away from that which Allaah has prohibited, and following his desires – this makes the Shaytaan weak like the animal which has become thin due to its travels and its muscles are lost.^{18 Al-Fath Ar-Rabbani with his explanation of Bulugh Al-Maraam (1/109)}

9. Sujood at-Tilawah

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the son of Adam recites the Ayat of Sajdah (prostration) and then falls down in prostration, Shaytaan goes into seclusion and weeps saying, ‘Woe unto me (Ya waili), the son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated and Paradise was entitled to him and I was commanded to prostrate, but I refused and am doomed to Hell.”^{19Reported by Muslim (81)}

His saying, ‘Ya waili (Woe to me)’ – Al-Wail means ruin. ‘Wail’ is a word used for someone who has fallen into destruction/ ruin.^{20Al-Mafham (1/274)}

Shaikhul-Islam (Rahimahullaah) writes, “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mentioned this as an encouragement for this Sujood. This proves that this Sujood is prescribed just like the Sujood to Adam – because both of them were orders.

The Sujood has served as a benchmark; whosoever prostrates has resembled the Angels, and whosoever refuses to prostrate has resembled Iblees – although this is a Sujood to Allaah, and it is greater than the Sujood for Adam – and this Hadeeth is enough for proof of its obligation.”^{21Majmoo Al-Fatawa (15/23)}

10. Tasmiyah

Whosoever wants to be fortified by Allaah from Shaytaan, then he should begin every act/ affair with Tasmiyah – ‘Bismillaah’ and therefore, we have been ordered with Tasmiyah in various matters for that sake of humiliating and defeating the Shaytaan, for example:

a)When one’s ride stumbles.

Abu Al-Malih reported on the authority of a man, “I was riding on a mount behind the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). It stumbled. Thereupon, I said: ‘May Shaytaan perish!'” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not say: ‘May Shaytaan perish! For when you say that, Shaytaan puffs up (with pride) so much so that he will be like a house and say, ‘By my power’. But say: ‘In the Name of Allaah’; for, when you say that, he will shrink until he becomes as small as a fly.“^{22Reported Abu Dawoud (3982).} Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Sunan Abu Dawoud (4168)

Ibnul-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said: “Similar to this is the saying, ‘May Allaah degrade the Shaytaan’, ‘May Allaah make Shaytaan ugly!’ – All of these phrases please the Shaytaan and he says: ‘The son of Adam knows that I have disturbed him with my power’ and this helps him in his temptation and gives no benefit to man. Hence, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed that whosoever is affected by Shaytaan in any way, should remember Allaah and mention His Name, and seek refuge in Allaah from Shaytaan; this is more beneficial for man and offends Shaytaan.”^{23Zaad Al-Ma’ad (2/356)}

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not curse Shaytaan, rather seek refuge with Allaah from his evil.“^{24Reported by Abu Tahir Al-Mukhallas in Al-Mukhallisiyaat’ (1572). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah (2322).}

b) When leaving the House

Anas ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a man goes out of his house and says,

بسم الله، توكلت على الله، لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله

“In the Name of Allaah, I trust in Allaah; there is no might and no power but in Allaah,”

the following will be said to him at that time: “You are guided, sufficed (defended), and protected.” The Shayateen will go far from him and another Shaytaan will say, ‘How can you deal with a man who has been guided, sufficed (defended), and protected?'”^{25Reported by Abu Dawoud (5095). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan Abu Dawoud (4249)}

c) At the time of Intercourse

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) reported that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone amongst you intends to go to his wife he should say,

بسم الله، اللهم جنِّبنا الشيطان، وجنِّب الشيطان ما رزقتنا

‘In the Name of Allaah. O Allaah! Protect us against Shaytaan and keep away the Shaytaan from the one that You bestow upon us,’

and if He has ordained a child for them, Shaytaan will never be able to do any harm to him.” ²⁶Reported by Al-Bukhaari (141, 3271, 3283, and 5165) and Muslim (1431)

Just look at the blessing of that (matter) and his praiseworthy good end. [Al-Anwaar As-Saniyyah]

d) Upon entering the Toilet

‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said: “The screen between the eyes of the Jinn and the nakedness of the children of Adam when one of you enters the area of relieving oneself is saying, ‘Bismillaah.‘”^{27Reported by At-Tirmidhi (606). Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi (1/333)}

e) When eating

Jabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: “When a person enters his house and mentions the Name of Allaah at the time of entering it, and while eating the food, Shaytaan says (addressing himself), ‘You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal; but when he (the person) enters without mentioning the Name of Allaah, Shaytaan says: ‘You have found a place to spend the night, and when he does not mention the Name of Allaah while eating food, he (Shaytaan) says: ‘You have found a place to spend the night and an evening meal.‘”^{28Reported by Muslim (2018)}

11. Acceptance of Qadar

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as saying: “A strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allaah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allaah and do not lose heart. And if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say, ‘If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so,’ but say, ‘Allaah did that which He had ordained to do’, and your “if” opens the (gate) for Shaytaan.“^{29Reported by Muslim (2664)}

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade man to say, ‘If only I had done such and such’ after he was afflicted by that which was decreed for him. “He said that this is opening a way to the work of Shaytaan because this will not bring about anything except sadness, regret, constriction of the heart, and displeasure upon the Decree and the belief that the Decree could have been prevented if he had done otherwise. This weakens his pleasure and acceptance, his Tafweed (leaving all affairs in the Hands of Allaah), and his belief in the Decree –what Allaah Wills occurs, and what He does not Will, does not occur – and if the heart turns away from this, then the door for the work of Shaytaan has been opened.

This is not only for the word ‘If’’; rather it applies to all similar words/ phrases that go against the perfection of Eeman, and they open the door for the work of Shaytaan. Rather he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) guided the slave – in this situation – to something that is more beneficial to him and that is Eeman in al-Qadar and Tafweed and submission to the Will of Allaah – whatever Allaah Willed, has occurred and will always occur. So whosoever is pleased, then he has achieved pleasure and whosoever is displeased, then he has achieved displeasure. May the Salaat of Allaah and His Salaam be upon the one – whose words are Shifa’a (healing) for the hearts, and Noor (light) for the sight, life for the hearts, and nourishment for the souls – and upon his progeny – and the slaves have achieved the utmost blessing and grace through him – To Allaah belongs all Blessings and all Grace and all Virtues, and for Him is the Best Praise.”^{30A’laam Al-Mu’aqqi’een (3/205)}

12. Isti’adhah: Seeking Refuge (from Shaytaan)

Seeking refuge from Shaytaan has been prescribed in many affairs:

a) When reciting the Qur’an

“When you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allaah from Shaytaan, the accursed.“ [Surat An-Nahl (16:98)].

Allaah has ordered to seek refuge from Shaytaan, perhaps, Shaytaan might cause one to misunderstand the meaning of the Qur’an.^{31Shajaratul-Ma’arif (p.250)}

b) Entering the Masjid

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say upon entering the mosque: “I seek refuge in Allaah, the Mighty, in His Noble Face, and in His Everlasting Power from the accursed Shaytaan.” He said: “When you say that, Shaytaan says: ‘He is protected from me for the rest of the day.'” ^{32Reported by Abu Dawoud (366). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan Abu Dawoud (441)}

c) When entering the Washroom

Zayd ibn Arqam (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “These places are frequented (attended) – i.e., by the Shayateen – So when anyone amongst you goes there, he should say, ‘I seek refuge in Allaah from the male (Khubuthi) and female (Khabaa’ith) Shayateen.‘”^{33Reported by Abu Dawoud (6), Ibn Majah (296). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (2263).}

Al-Khabaa’ith is the plural of Khabitha (i.e., female). Hence, it is seeking refuge from the male and female Shayateen. ^{34At-Tawdeeh li-Sharh Al-Jami’ (92).}

d) When angry

Sulayman ibn Surad (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: While I was sitting in the company of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), two men abused each other and the face of one of them became red with anger, and his jugular veins swelled (i.e., he became furious). On that, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I know a word, the saying of which will cause him to relax if he says it. If he says: ‘I seek refuge with Allaah from Satan’ then all his anger will go away.” Someone said to him: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said: ‘Seek refuge with Allaah from Satan.‘ The angry man said: ‘Am I mad?'”^{35Al-Bukhaari (3282)}

Seeking refuge in Allaah from Shaytaan removes the anger. This is because Shaytaan is who adorns anger to man and all that which is blameworthy; in order to cause him doom, and misguidance and to keep him away from the pleasure of Allaah (Ta’ala). Seeking refuge in Allaah is one of the strongest weapons to repel his plot.”^{36At-Tawdheeh li Sharh Al-Jami’ As-Saheeh (28/490)}

e) After Takbeeratul-Ihraam and before the recitation

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got up to pray at night (for Tahajjud prayer) he uttered the Takbir and then said: ‘Glory be to Thee, O Allaah’ and ‘Praise be to Thee’ and ‘Blessed is Thy Name’, and ‘Exalted is Thy Greatness.’ and ‘There is no god but Thee.’

He then said: ‘There is no god but Allaah’ three times; he then said: ‘Allaah is Great’ three times: ‘I seek refuge in Allaah, All-Hearing, and All-Knowing from the accursed devil, from his evil suggestion (Hamz), from his puffing up (Nafkh), and from his spitting (Nafth)’ He then recited (the Qur’an).”^{37Abu Dawoud (775) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh}

f) When feeling the Whispers of Shaytaan

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-A’raaf (7:200) (interpretation of the meaning):

“And when an evil whisper comes to you from Satan, then take refuge with Allaah. He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

And in Surat Fussilat (41:36), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“When a temptation from the devil provokes you, seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) says to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in Surat Al-Mu’minun (23:97-98):

“And say, ‘My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the urgings of the devils. And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they become present.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) ordered His Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to seek refuge in His Complete and Perfect Ruboobiyah (Lordship) from this creature whose mischief is enormous, who is the basis and source and foundation of every evil.^{38Ar-Ruh by Ibn Al-Qayyim}

If the best of all mankind and the most mindful and virtuous among them with Allaah (Ta’ala) needed to seek refuge in Allaah from the evil of Shaytaan; then what about you with all your ignorance, heedlessness, and deficiency?

‘Uthmaan ibn Abu Al-‘Aas reported that he came to Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Allaah’s Messenger, the Shaytaan intervenes between me and my prayer and my reciting of the Qur’an and he confuses me. Thereupon Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: That is (the doing of a Shaytaan (devil) who is known as Khinzab, and when you perceive its effect, seek refuge with Allaah from it and spit three times to your left.’ I did that and Allaah dispelled that from me.”^{39Muslim (2203)}

Ibn Al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said: “Indeed, if the slave seeks refuge in Allaah from the outcast Shaytaan, and spits three times on his left, then that devil will not harm him, nor will he intervene between him and his Salaat. Rather, this is out of its perfection and completeness. And Allaah knows best.”^{40Zaad Al-Ma’ad (3/602)}

g) Seeking refuge from the evil of Shaytaan at the time of death

From the Du’aa (supplication) of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “(O Allaah!) I seek refuge in You from the devil harming me at the time of my death.”^{41Abu Dawoud (1552) and authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (1282)}

Such as to intervene between him and saying the word of Tawheed (i.e., Laa ilaaha illa Allaah), or to die while he is having bad thoughts about Allaah (Ta’ala).

We ask Allaah (Ta’ala) to be merciful with us at the time of our death and to end our life with good.

h) When one is terrified in his sleep

`Amr ibn Shu`aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you becomes frightened during sleep, then let him say:

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

(A`oudhu bikalimaatillaahit-taammati min ghaḍabihi wa `iqaabihi wa sharri `ibaadih, wa min hamazaatish-shayaaṭeeni wa an yaḥḍurun)

‘I seek refuge in Allaah’s Perfect Words from His anger, His punishment, and the evil of His creatures, from the whisperings of the Shayateen, and that they should come.’

for verily, they shall not harm him.”^{42At-Tirmidhi no. 3528 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan}

Shaikh As-Sa’dee (Rahimahullaah) said: “I seek refuge in You (O Allaah) from the evil which may befall me because of their attempts to harm me, and their goading and their touch; and I seek refuge with You from the evil that results from their coming near and from their whispers. This is Isti’adhah (seeking refuge with Allaah) from all evil and its origin, which includes seeking refuge from all the temptations of the Shaytaan, and from his tongue and whispers. If Allaah gives protection to His slave from this evil and responds to his supplication, he (the slave) will be safe from all evil and will be enabled to do all good.”^{43Tayseer Al-Kareem}

i) When seeing bad dreams

Abu Qatadah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A good dream is from Allaah, so if anyone of you saw a dream which he liked, he should not tell it to anybody except to the one whom he loves, and if he saw a dream which he disliked, then he should seek refuge with Allaah from its evil and from the evil of Satan, and spit three times (on his left) and should not tell it to anybody, for it will not harm him.”^{44Al-Bukhaari (7044)}

j) For Protection from the evil eye and envy

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to seek refuge with Allaah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain with the following words,

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ

مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ

“I seek refuge for you two with Allaah’s Perfect Words

from every Shaytaan, from all poisonous pests, and from every evil eye.”

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commented: “Your forefather [i.e., Ibraheem (‘Alayhis-salaam)] used to seek refuge with Allaah for Isma’eel and Ishaq with these words.”^{45At-Tirmidhi (2060)}

k) In the Morning and the Evening

Abu Bakr As-Siddique (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) asked the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “O Messenger of Allaah, teach me what to say in the mornings and evenings.” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “O Abu Bakr, say:

اللَّهُمَّ فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ،

رَبَّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَمَلِيكَهُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي، وَشَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ،

وَأَنْ أَقْتَرِفَ عَلَى نَفْسِي سُوءًا أَوْ أَجُرُّهُ إِلَى مُسْلِمٍ‏.

‘O Allaah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth

the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible. The Lord of all things and their Master,

I seek refuge in You from the evil of myself. I seek refuge in You from the evil of Shaytaan, and from his encouragement to associate (partner with You)

and that I may not bring evil on myself or on another Muslim.’” ^{46Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (1204) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh}

This Du’aa incorporates seeking refuge from both the inner evil i.e., the evil of one’s Nafs (self) – and the outer evil i.e., the evil of Shaytaan and his plots.

It also incorporates seeking refuge from both types of evils: the evil which one might inflict on himself or that which he might bring upon his Muslim brother.

Whosoever Allaah protects from these evils, then he is protected from the causes of evil and all its aspects, and he is shrouded with wellness, safety, and guidance.^{47Majmoo’ Al-Fawa’id by Shaikh As-Sa’dee}

13- Suppressing One’s Anger

Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed by people who were wrestling, and he inquired, “What is this?” They responded: “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a wrestler, and no one can wrestle like him!” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shall I not tell you who is stronger than him? It is a man who is wronged by another man, yet he suppresses his rage, and thus, he defeats him and defeats his Shaytaan, and he defeats the Shaytaan of his companion.”^{48Reported by Al-Bazzar in Al-Bahr Az-Zikhar (7272) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan in Al-Silsilah As-Saheeha (3295)}

Suppressing anger is by swallowing one’s anger and displaying patience.

14- Straightening the Rows

a. Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not leave gaps for Shaytaan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allaah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allaah), and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allaah (i.e., from His Mercy).”^[49] Abu Dawoud (666) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh

b. Anas ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Straighten your rows, for I see you from behind my back.” Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) added: “Every one of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion, and his foot with the foot of his companion.”^{49Al-Bukhaari (Rahimahullaah) interpreted this Hadeeth with the word, ‘Chapter: Joining Shoulder to Shoulder and Feet to Feet (during Prayer)’}

c. An-Nu’man ibn Bashir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) paid attention to the people and said three times: “Straighten your rows”; “By Allaah, you must straighten your rows or Allaah will create dissension among you.” I then saw every person standing shoulder to shoulder, knee to knee, and ankle to ankle.^{50Abu Dawoud no. (662) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh}

d. Anas ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Tighten your rows, bring yourselves closer to one another and align your shoulders. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, I see Shaytaan slip between your rows like a small black goat.”^{51Reported by Al-Haakim (1/417), (1521)}

15- Sajdah as-Sahu (Prostration of Forgetfulness)

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When any one of you is in doubt about his prayer and he does not know how much he has prayed – three units or four units – (in this case,) he should cast aside his doubt and base his prayer on what he is sure of, and then perform two prostrations before Salaam. If he happens to pray five units, then they will make his prayer an even number for him, and if he has prayed exactly four, they will be a Targheeman for Shaytaan.”

”Targheeman” – i.e., a cause of infuriation and humiliation – comes from the word ‘Reghaam’ which means ‘dirt’. It is said, ‘Arghama Allaahu Anfahu’ meaning, may Allaah rub his nose in dirt.^{52As-Siraj Al-Wahhaj (2/534)}

It is a humiliation for Shaytaan because the slave returns back to Allaah with Sujood which Shaytaan is deprived of, and also due to the disappointment that Shaytaan encounters because of the Sajdah as-Sahu.^{53At-Tawdeeh li Sharh Al-Jami’ As-Saheeh (9/368)}

16- Pointing with one’s Index Finger during Tashahhud

Nafi (Rahimahullaah) narrated that when ‘Abdullaah ibn ’Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) sat during the prayer, he placed his hands on his knees, pointed with his finger, and gave his whole attention to it.

He then said that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had said: “It (i.e., the index finger) has a more severe effect on Shaytaan than iron!”^{54Reported by Ahmad (6000) and its Isnad is Hasan as said by Al-Albaani in Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh (1/289)}

17- Salaat towards a Sutrah (the object used by a person during Salaat as a barrier between himself and those passing in front of him)

Sahl Ibn Abu Hathmah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you prays facing a Sutrah, he should keep close to it, and not let the devil interrupt his prayer.”^{55Abu Dawoud (695) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh}

It is important to mention that the size of the acceptable Sutrah for the one praying to prevent the harm of who passes in front of him is the size of the back of a saddle.

Talhah ibn Ubaidullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported from the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “If you place something like the back of a saddle in front of you, then you may pray, and there is no harm if someone passes on the other side of it.”^{56Muslim (499)}

Additional note by the translator: Al-Nawawi (Rahimahullaah) writes, “In this Hadeeth, it is recommended to have a Sutrah in front of the one who is praying, and it explains the minimum height of the Sutrah is like the back of a saddle, which is the length of the forearm or approximately two-thirds of a cubit. This purpose may be served by anything that he sets up in front of him.”^{57Sharh Muslim (4/216)}

18- Du’aa to Allaah

Abul-Azhar Al-Anmari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to go to his bed at night, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would say:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي

وَأَخْسِئْ شَيْطَانِي وَفُكَّ رِهَانِي وَاجْعَلْنِي فِي النَّدِيِّ الأعلى

“In the Name of Allaah, I have laid down my side, O Allaah! Forgive me my sins, drive away my Shaytaan, free me from my responsibility, and place me in the highest assembly.”

“drive away my Shaytaan”

Meaning ‘dispel’ him from me so that he cannot seduce me

“free me from my responsibility”

meaning ‘free me from the rights of all humans, and from Your Right O Lord, and free me from my sins by forgiving me or free me from the burden of responsibilities by giving me the Tawfeeq to fulfill them.’

“in the highest assembly”

Meaning ‘make me amongst those in the gathering of Angels in al-Malaa al-A’laa (highest dwellers of heavens).^{58Al-Futoohaat Ar-Rabbaniyyah ala Al-Adhkaar An-Nawawiyyah,(p. 731)}

 

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When anyone of you enters the mosque, let him send Salaam upon the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then let him say:

اللّهُـمَّ افْتَـحْ لي أَبْوابَ رَحْمَتـِك

‘O Allaah, open to me the gates of Your Mercy.’

And when he leaves, let him send Salaam upon the Prophet and say,

اللَّهُمَّ اعْصِمْنِي مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

‘O Allaah, protect me from the accursed Shaytaan.'”

Source:

Qutoof Daaniyah by Shaikh ‘Abdul-Haadi Wahbi

Footnotes

• 1
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (4681) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawoud.
• 2
  Madarij As-Salikeen (1/83)
• 3
  Ar-Ruh, p. 306
• 4
  Ar-Ruh p. 321
• 5
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (1329) and graded Saheeh by Al-Albaani
• 6
  Reported by Muslim (780)
• 7
  Reported by Al-Hakim (1/521, no. 2060) as a Mawqoof and Marfoo narration. Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) graded it Hasan in As-Saheehah (588).
• 8
  See Al-Bukhaari (2311, 3275, and 501)
• 9
  Amal Al-Yawm wal-layl (961)
• 10
  Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2882) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3/154)
• 11
  Reported by An-Nasaa’i (5496) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan An-Nasaa’i (5069)
• 12
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (1463). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (7949)
• 13
  Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3293, and 6403) and Muslim (2691)
• 14
  Al-Bidayah’ Al-Fawa’id (3/814)
• 15
  Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2863) and authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3/145)
• 16
  Bidayah’ Al-Fawa’id (2/817)
• 17
  Reported by Ahmad (2/380, and 8927).
• 18
  Al-Fath Ar-Rabbani with his explanation of Bulugh Al-Maraam (1/109)
• 19
  Reported by Muslim (81)
• 20
  Al-Mafham (1/274)
• 21
  Majmoo Al-Fatawa (15/23)
• 22
  Reported Abu Dawoud (3982).
• 23
  Zaad Al-Ma’ad (2/356)
• 24
  Reported by Abu Tahir Al-Mukhallas in Al-Mukhallisiyaat’ (1572). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah (2322).
• 25
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (5095). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan Abu Dawoud (4249)
• 26
  Reported by Al-Bukhaari (141, 3271, 3283, and 5165) and Muslim (1431)
• 27
  Reported by At-Tirmidhi (606). Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi (1/333)
• 28
  Reported by Muslim (2018)
• 29
  Reported by Muslim (2664)
• 30
  A’laam Al-Mu’aqqi’een (3/205)
• 31
  Shajaratul-Ma’arif (p.250)
• 32
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (366). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Sunan Abu Dawoud (441)
• 33
  Reported by Abu Dawoud (6), Ibn Majah (296). Authenticated by Al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (2263).
• 34
  At-Tawdeeh li-Sharh Al-Jami’ (92).
• 35
  Al-Bukhaari (3282)
• 36
  At-Tawdheeh li Sharh Al-Jami’ As-Saheeh (28/490)
• 37
  Abu Dawoud (775) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh
• 38
  Ar-Ruh by Ibn Al-Qayyim
• 39
  Muslim (2203)
• 40
  Zaad Al-Ma’ad (3/602)
• 41
  Abu Dawoud (1552) and authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jami’ (1282)
• 42
  At-Tirmidhi no. 3528 and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan
• 43
  Tayseer Al-Kareem
• 44
  Al-Bukhaari (7044)
• 45
  At-Tirmidhi (2060)
• 46
  Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (1204) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh
• 47
  Majmoo’ Al-Fawa’id by Shaikh As-Sa’dee
• 48
  Reported by Al-Bazzar in Al-Bahr Az-Zikhar (7272) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Hasan in Al-Silsilah As-Saheeha (3295)
• 49
  Al-Bukhaari (Rahimahullaah) interpreted this Hadeeth with the word, ‘Chapter: Joining Shoulder to Shoulder and Feet to Feet (during Prayer)’
• 50
  Abu Dawoud no. (662) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh
• 51
  Reported by Al-Haakim (1/417), (1521)
• 52
  As-Siraj Al-Wahhaj (2/534)
• 53
  At-Tawdeeh li Sharh Al-Jami’ As-Saheeh (9/368)
• 54
  Reported by Ahmad (6000) and its Isnad is Hasan as said by Al-Albaani in Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh (1/289)
• 55
  Abu Dawoud (695) and authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh
• 56
  Muslim (499)
• 57
  Sharh Muslim (4/216)
• 58
  Al-Futoohaat Ar-Rabbaniyyah ala Al-Adhkaar An-Nawawiyyah,(p. 731)