seek refuge in You from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or being made to slip, from wronging anyone or being wronged, and from acting foolishly or being treated foolishly.”1.

This is a momentous hadith and a blessed supplication that a Muslim should observe whenever he leaves his home, following the example of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—who observed it every time he went out, as indicated by the statement of Umm Salama—may Allah be pleased with her: “The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—never left my house without raising his gaze toward heaven and saying,” after which she related this supplication.

If you reflect on this supplication, you will find that its aim and purpose accord with those of the preceding hadith. The words in the preceding hadith, “You have been guided,” correspond to the words in this hadith, “O Allah, indeed I seek refuge in You from going astray or being led astray.” The words “You have been sufficed” correspond to “from wronging anyone or being wronged,” while the words “and protected” correspond to “from slipping or being made to slip, and from acting foolishly or being treated foolishly.” Thus, the servant seeks refuge in Allah from everything that would distance him from guidance, sufficiency, and protection. There is no harm in the servant combining these two supplications.

This supplication also contains sublime meanings and beneficial lessons, which will be explained in due course. Allah alone grants success.