By Natirah Azira

Humans, when born, are likened to pure, clean cloth, not soiled with blemishes and far from sin. However, as we grow up and live this life, there are things that will settle and contaminate the heart until they are manifested in thoughts or actions.

Therefore, every living being will not be pure from his own evil and wickedness, whether it is through the whispers of Satan or bad habits that have become a practice due to repetition.

Because of that, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself taught this prayer of protection to his friend Abu Bakr As-Siddiq.

From a hadith narrated by Imam Abu Daud and Tirmidhi, from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, he said:

" O Messenger of Allah, command me to recite the words when I am in the morning and evening."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Say: Allohumma faathiros samaawaati wal ardhi ‘aalimal ghoibi wassyahaadati robba kulli syai-in wamaliikahu. Asy-hadualla ilaaha illa anta, a’udzu bika min syarri nafsi, wa syarrish-shaitoni wa shirkihi”.
(Meaning: O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, Lord of all things and their Owner. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except You. I seek refuge in You from the evil of myself and from the evil of Satan and his associates .)

The Prophet SAW said, “Say these words when you are in the morning, when you are in the evening, and when you are in bed.” _{(HR Abi Daud, no. 5067 – Sahih Abi Daud)}

Some people may wonder how to distinguish between evil that comes from oneself and evil that comes from the devil. Personally, we think that it is impossible to distinguish it definitively.

What is clear is that Allah says in the Quran that there are indeed instigators from among the jinn and humans who disturb and whisper misgivings and evil into the hearts of humans. It is possible that the bad behavior that is done originally stems from the instigation of Satan, but because it is repeated, it has become a human habit itself.

“Indeed, those who fear Allah, when an evil thought from Satan touches them, they remember (the teachings of Allah), and thus they see (the right path).” _(7:201)

Therefore, for protection from evil, whether from yourself or the devil, then make the prayer that was taught by his Majesty a daily practice. May we be protected from that evil. O Allah, do not leave me to myself.

Date of Input: 30/03/2026 | Updated: 30/03/2026 | asmunir