بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ”
In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing
To be recited three times
Brief Commentary
The Prophet (SallaAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said that reciting this supplication three times in the morning and evening will protect a person, such that nothing can harm him, and no calamity shall befall him [1]
This supplication begins by saying, “In the name of Allah” but doesn’t specify what we are saying it for. This means there is an implied meaning here, and this is general for most instances where we begin by mentioning the name of Allah, we imply something related to the action e.g. before eating we say “In the name of Allah”, implying “In the name of Allah I eat”, before reciting the Qur’an, we say “In the name of Allah”, implying, “In the name of Allah I recite”
In this supplication, there is an implied meaning, in that we are actually saying, “In the name of Allah I seek refuge”
In this supplication, we are not seeking refuge or aid from Allah directly, but we are seeking it with His name. Such is the magnificence of Allah, that even His name alone is sufficient for protection
With the protection of Allah’s name, nothing in the earth can harm you, whether it is a human, jinn, animal, electronic device, or anything else
With the protection of Allah’s name, nothing in the heavens can harm you, whether it is rain, wind, hurricane, lightning, or anything else
Allah is “the All-Hearing” so He can hear all voices at the same time, no matter how low the voice is, and whatever language it is in. He hears it, understands it, and answers it if it is calling Him. All of these meanings are encompassed within this name
Allah is “the All-Knowing” so He knows everything, whether hidden or apparent, whether past, present, or future.
Action Points
Allah’s name is great, so use it before you begin any important matter, such as acts of worship, leaving the house, commencing a task, etc.
When reciting this supplication, ensure your heart’s presence, it’s humility, whilst mentioning Allah’s most beautiful names. Be conscious of the Almighty’s greatness, so that you can truly benefit from this supplication
Make sure you contemplate over Allah’s names, for Allah is “the All-Hearing”, so He hears you whilst you recite this supplication, and He is “the All-Knowing”, so He knows your need when you are reciting this supplication
Imam Al-Qurtubi said “this is an authentic narration, and a true statement based upon textual evidence and experience. Since I heard it, I acted upon it so nothing harmed me until I left it. I was stung by a scorpion at night, and when I pondered over this, I realised I had forgotten to say this supplication that night”. [2]
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Hadith, reported by Abu Dawud, hadith number 5088, Al-Tirmidhi, hadith number 3388, Ibn Majah, hadith number 3869, and Al-Nasaa’i, hadith number 10178
Al-Futoohat Al-Rabbaniyah by Ibn Allaan, 3/100