I heard `Uthman bin `Affan (رضي الله عنه) say: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: `Whoever says at the beginning of the day or the beginning of the night, ‘In the Name of Allah with Whose name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause harm, and he is the All-Hearing. All-Knowing.` three times, nothing will harm him during that day or that night.”
Hadith Text & Reference
I heard `Uthman bin `Affan (رضي الله عنه) say: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: `Whoever says at the beginning of the day or the beginning of the night, 'In the Name of Allah with Whose name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause harm, and he is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.' three times, nothing will harm him during that day or that night.`
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 474 | Book: Musnad Uthman ibn Affan | Author: Musnad Ahmad
Arabic Invocation
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Transliteration: Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma'as-mihi shay'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i wa Huwas-Sami'ul-'Alim
Commentary on the Invocation
This blessed supplication contains the greatest of Allah's names through which protection is sought from all forms of harm. The phrase "with Whose name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause harm" establishes that Allah's majesty and power encompass all creation, and nothing can overcome His protection when sought through His noble names.
The attributes "All-Hearing, All-Knowing" affirm Allah's complete awareness of everything in creation - nothing escapes His knowledge or hearing. This reinforces the believer's trust that Allah knows what harms may come and has the power to prevent them.
Timing & Repetition
The Prophet (ﷺ) specified saying this invocation at the "beginning of the day" (morning) and "beginning of the night" (evening) three times each. Scholars explain this timing ensures continuous protection throughout the entire period, as one seeks refuge at the commencement of each major division of time.
The triple repetition strengthens the supplication and demonstrates the seeker's earnestness in seeking divine protection, following the Sunnah of repeating important invocations three times.
Comprehensive Protection
The phrase "nothing will harm him" encompasses all types of harm - physical, spiritual, seen and unseen. This includes diseases, accidents, evil eye, magic, and any form of calamity. The protection is comprehensive when coupled with true faith and reliance upon Allah.
Scholars note that this protection applies to what Allah decrees as harmful for the person. If some minor harm occurs, it may be a means of expiating sins or raising spiritual ranks, while being protected from greater harms.
Spiritual Benefits
Reciting this invocation strengthens one's connection with Allah and increases reliance upon Him. It serves as a constant reminder that all protection comes from Allah alone, fostering humility and gratitude.
The regular recitation cultivates mindfulness of Allah throughout the day and night, transforming ordinary moments into acts of worship and strengthening one's spiritual defenses against both physical and metaphysical harms.