Abu Hurayra reported that Abu Bakr said, "Messenger of Allah, teach me something that I can say morning and evening." The Prophet said, "O Allah, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, Creator of the heavens and the earth, everything is in Your hands. I testify that there is no god but You. I seek refuge with You from the evil of myself and the evil of shaytan and his (encouragement to) associate others (with You)." Say it in the morning and the evening and when you go to sleep."
Mornings and Evenings: Commentary on Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1202
This narration from Abu Hurayra, recorded in Imam al-Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" (1202), presents a comprehensive supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. The request for a concise yet profound daily remembrance demonstrates Abu Bakr's deep spiritual awareness and desire for constant connection with Allah.
Divine Attributes Invoked
The supplication begins by affirming Allah's perfect knowledge ("Knower of the Unseen and the Visible"), establishing that nothing escapes Divine awareness. It acknowledges Allah as the "Creator of the heavens and the earth," affirming Tawhid in creation. The phrase "everything is in Your hands" confirms Allah's absolute sovereignty and control over all affairs.
Core Testimony of Faith
The declaration "I testify that there is no god but You" serves as the foundation of Islamic monotheism. This testimony, when recited with understanding and conviction, purifies one's belief and renews one's commitment to worship Allah alone.
Seeking Protection from Dual Evils
The seeker asks refuge from "the evil of myself" - recognizing the human soul's capacity for wrongdoing through base desires and negligence. Simultaneously, protection is sought from "the evil of shaytan and his encouragement to associate others with Allah" - the ultimate spiritual danger of shirk that corrupts one's worship.
Wisdom of Timely Repetition
The Prophet's instruction to recite this "in the morning and evening and when you go to sleep" establishes a spiritual rhythm throughout the day. Morning remembrance prepares one for the day's challenges, evening recitation offers protection through the night, and bedtime repetition safeguards during vulnerability. This consistent practice fortifies the believer's heart against spiritual dangers while maintaining constant awareness of Allah's presence.