Duʿā’ – Arabic + English (Line by Line)

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not humble

وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا تُسْمَعُ
From a supplication that is not heard

وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ
From a soul that is never satisfied

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ الأَرْبَعَ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from these four

Transliteration

Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min qalbin lā yakhshaʿ,
wa min daʿwatin lā tusmaʿ,
wa min nafsin lā tashbaʿ,
Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min ʿilmin lā yanfaʿ,
Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min hāʾulāʾi al-arbaʿ.

Full English Translation

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not humble,
from a supplication that is not heard,
from a soul that is never satisfied,
and from knowledge that does not benefit.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from these four.”

Narrated by: al-Tirmidhī (3599)

Reflection: Seeking Refuge from the Four

This profound duʿā’ invites us into deep spiritual mindfulness, reminding us of the subtle but serious ailments of the heart, soul, knowledge, and supplication. Each component highlights an aspect of our inner life that can easily drift from sincerity, humility, and purpose.

• A heart that does not humble itself (qalb lā yakhshaʿ): Our hearts may grow hard, distracted, or proud. This duʿā’ teaches us to seek Allah’s protection from such a heart — one that cannot soften in awe of Him or bend in humility. A humble heart nurtures mercy, patience, and authentic devotion.

• A supplication that is not heard (duʿā’ lā yusmaʿ): Prayer is the lifeline of the believer, yet sincerity determines its impact. By seeking refuge, we are reminded to purify our intentions, making our supplications heartfelt and attentive, ensuring they reach Allah in the manner He loves.

• A soul that is never satisfied (nafs lā tashbaʿ): Human desire is naturally expansive, but unchecked longing breeds restlessness, envy, and discontent. This duʿā’ asks Allah to grant a soul that is at peace and content with His decree, cultivating gratitude, patience, and the ability to appreciate life’s blessings.

• Knowledge that does not benefit (ʿilm lā yanfaʿ): Knowledge becomes meaningful only when it transforms character and guides actions. Seeking refuge from unbeneficial knowledge reminds us that learning is truly valuable when it deepens our devotion, inspires action, and serves humanity.

Through this duʿā’, we are encouraged to reflect on our spiritual state — our hearts, our desires, our prayers, and our learning. It is both a shield and a compass, guiding us to align our inner life with sincerity, humility, and contentment.

Practical Application: Recite this duʿā’ regularly — before learning, teaching, praying, or reflecting. Let it shape your heart, calm your soul, ensure your knowledge is beneficial, and purify your supplications. Over time, this simple yet profound prayer nurtures a heart alive with presence, a soul at peace, and a life oriented toward Allah’s pleasure.

Closing Dua

May Allah grant us hearts that are humble, knowledge that benefits, souls that are content, and prayers that are always heard.
اللَّهُمَّ آمِين