His words, “from His wrath and punishment,” combine the attribute with its effect: the attribute is wrath, while its effect is the descent of punishment. We seek refuge in Allah from that.

His words, “and from the evil of His servants,” mean: from every evil found in any of Your servants in whom evil resides. Servitude here is meant in its universal sense, for all created beings are subjugated and humbled before Allah, submitting to Him, glorified be He. As the Almighty says, “There is none in the heavens or on earth who will not come to the Most Merciful as a servant.” 1.

His words, “and from the proddings of the devils and from their coming into my presence”: “proddings” is the plural of “prodding,” which means a goad or prick. What is meant is the incitements and whisperings of the devils, as well as all the afflictions and harm they inflict upon the children of Adam.

His words, “and from their coming into my presence,” mean: that the devils should be present with me in any of my circumstances. Accordingly, the servant seeks refuge in Allah from the proddings of the devils and from their ever coming near him or circling around him. Thus, this plea for refuge entails asking that they neither touch him nor approach him.

What a tremendous supplication it is, how tremendous its effect, and how comprehensively it seeks refuge from everything that may cause a person fear and anxiety. Allah alone is the Grantor of success.