Dua( supplication) to seek protection from useless knowledge.
Useless Knowledge
Zaid b. Alqam reported: I am not going to say anything but only that which Allah's Messenger ﷺ) used to say. He used to supplicate:"…
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ
“…I seek refuge in Thee from the knowledge which does not benefit,…” [Sahih Muslim 2722]
There seems to be an almost limitless amount of knowledge and information in our world. In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) is directing our attention to the fact that among ths mass information, there is non-beneficial knowledge which we should avoid.
Non-beneficial knowledge is of different types and degrees.
1. First category of non-beneficial knowledge is one that harms our eemaan and taqwa: This is like learning magic, reading the books of disbelief and religious innovation, and those causing doubts. It includes learning how to harm others, steal, embezzle, forge documents, and fornicate. There is also no benefit in news of movies and their stars, the latest about singers and athletes, and gossip and rumours.
2. Second category is knowledge that has no inherent merit to it and can distract from Allaah such as the latest on fashion and cars. This knowledge strengthens our attachment to this world at the expense of our commitment to the next life.
3. Third category is knowledge that has some merit but is overemphasized like political news and analysis that consume our time and discussions, and fixating on worldly knowledge at the expense of our relationship with Allaah.
4. Fourth category is beneficial knowledge that fails to bring benefit. This happens when we don’t apply it, like religious knowledge that changing nothing in our hearts and lives, and wisdom that doesn’t affect our manners and character.
[Taken from Heart Therapy-Forty Hadiths in Tazkiyah and Soul Purification by Shaykh Dr. Ali Albarghouthi, pg.293]