When faced with adversities, as Muslims, we must remind ourselves that facing hardships does not negate one’s faith in Allah (SWT) and His divine decree. Allah has revealed many prayers that can be recited when seeking protection against a certain situation. These can include security from harm, evil, Jinn, nafs, and even prayers for the safety of your family and children.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught his companions duas and verses of protection revealed by Allah. We must use these powerful and effective prayers to stay safe in this life and ask for protection from the grave torment and the Hellfire.
What are Islamic Duas to Recite for Protection?
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was among Allah’s beloved prophets who were entrusted to sanctify the Ka’abah. He was commanded to leave behind his wife and son Ismail in a valley close to Kaabah. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) followed Allah’s commands and left them on the spot of Zamzam with a bag of dates. Leaving his dear ones behind, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was worried and prayed to Allah to protect his wife and son:
“Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring settle in a barren valley near Your Sacred House! Our Lord! I did so that they may establish Prayer. So make the hearts of people affectionately inclined to them, and provide them with fruits for their sustenance, that they may give thanks.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:37)
Allah answered Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication by creating a water spring where his son was placed. Allah has mentioned in the Quran that He answers those who call upon Him. We must use these prayers to seek protection and then leave the rest to Him.
Our Lord hears our supplication and answers our prayers. Thus, we must be patient and place our trust in Him completely. We hope you make a habit of including these duas in your daily prayers and use them to seek Allah’s (SWT) protection.
↓ 20. Protection from Enemies
Recite the following dua to seek Allah’s protection from enemies and harm:
↓ 19. Against the torment of the grave
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) would teach this dua to his companions as he would teach them a surah from the Quran.
↓ 18. From Illness
The Messenger of Allah would recite Surah An-Nas and Surah Al-Ikhlas whenever he was ill. When he couldn’t recite them himself, Aisha (RA), his wife, would recite the verses and rub them over his body.
Additionally, Anas reported that the Prophet (PBUH) would seek refuge in Allah from evil sicknesses, leprosy, insanity, and other diseases.
↓ 17. Safeguard from Evil
As mentioned in the Riyad as-Saliheen, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to seek protection against Jinn and evil eyes till Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas were revealed. After the Surahs’ revelation, he left everything besides and would recite them to seek Allah’s protection. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was known to recite these Quranic Chapters before going to sleep.
These verses of the Holy Quran serve as a safeguard during sleep and as we go about our day. By reciting these regularly with sincerity and trust, we can hope to be under the protection of Allah (SWT); the outcome remains in His hands.
If you suspect that the evil eye is impacting you or your loved ones, do read our earlier post on Symptoms Of Evil Eye In Islam.
↓ 16. Prophet Muhammad’s Dua for Protection of House
It is a good practice to make dua before leaving the house to guard your family and property.
↓ 15. Powerful dua for the protection of Family
↓ 14. Dua for the protection of Kids
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to pray to seek refuge for Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein. He would pray:
I also recommend that you go through these Authentic Duas To Make Your Marriage Happier and Stronger.
↓ 13. Prayer for safeguard from Evil Eye
Evil eye refers to the misfortune inflicted on one person out of jealousy of another. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) often advises his companions and followers to recite Quranic verses to protect themselves against the evil eye.
↓ 12. From the Nafs
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned two evil sources: self or nafs, and the Shaytan (devil). As Muslims, we must recite this dua to avoid indulging in things that may harm us, our families, or other people.
↓ 11. Safety from Jinn
By saying this supplication, we seek refuge in Allah to safeguard us from any evil being, be it man, animal, calamity, or Jinn.
↓ 10. For safety from all problems
This supplication is effective in asking Allah (SWT) to help us in distress. Saying this dua helps me overcome tough setbacks.
↓ 9. To get relief from illness and pain
Aisha (RA) reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) would make this dua seek protection for some of his wives. Further, many of the Prophet’s (PBUH) companions learned this Prayer and would use it as a treatment for people suffering from pain.
↓ 8. Dua to prevent difficulties
↓ 7. Relief from calamities
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) reminds us that this world is a trial, and there will be an affliction. Therefore, we must maintain faith in Allah’s Mercy and His divine will.
It is a comprehensive prayer seeking security from getting struck by a disaster.
↓ 6. To avoid sudden afflictions
To prevent being stricken by sudden afflictions, we must not forget to seek Allah’s help for protection from any harm coming to us.
↓ 5. To get relief from anxiety and depression
Some level of mental suffering is normal; however, being consumed by worry can have several negative impacts. Therefore, alongside seeking help from a trained professional, we must also pray to Allah for protection from such symptoms.
↓ 4. Prayer for protection from Hell
We are subject to trials in our lives and hereafter. In the process, we may commit acts or sins that may displease Allah. We must, then, ask Allah (SWT) to grant protection from the trials of Dajjal, the torment of Hellfire, and punishment of the grave.
↓ 3. From all sorts of danger
↓ 2. Safekeeping from Shirk
Shirk refers to associating partners with Allah. Allah may forgive any sin as He wills, but He does not forgive shirk for one who dies upon it (Quran 4:48); whoever repents sincerely before death is forgiven.
To protect ourselves from Shaytan’s whispers, this is a beneficial dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ (see also what is shirk in Islam):
↓ 1. Protection against harm
Things to Remember When Making these Duas:
- You should not only pray when you’re faced with adversity but should rather make dua for protection from future difficulties.
- As Muslims, we must be empathetic towards the sufferings of others. Thus, before praying for ourselves, we must make duas for others.
- Use the words of the Holy Quran and Sunnah when making a prayer, such as the duas of the Prophets.
- Express thanks to Allah to receive more.
- Once you have said the supplication, maintain strong faith, and expect positive outcomes.
- Most importantly, be patient! Allah will respond to our prayers when it is most appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dua for protection?
The Prophet ﷺ taught reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas three times in the morning and evening, and before sleep (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami at-Tirmidhi). He also taught Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Will these duas guarantee that nothing bad happens to me?
No. They are a means of seeking Allah’s protection, and the result is in His wisdom and decree. A believer combines dua with trust in Allah and taking lawful precautions.
Can I recite these duas for my children?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ sought refuge in Allah’s perfect words for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (Sahih al-Bukhari). Parents can do the same for their children.
Do I need to recite the duas in Arabic?
The Arabic words are what the Prophet ﷺ taught and are preferred. If you cannot yet memorise them, you may also ask Allah in your own language, and learn the Arabic gradually. See also Islamic quotes for difficult times.
How do I protect myself from the evil eye?
Recite the Muawwidhat and the morning and evening adhkar, and say “MashaAllah, la quwwata illa billah” when you admire something. Read more in nazar in Islam. For persistent concerns, ask a qualified scholar.