"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-arba': min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min du'a'in la yusma'u (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from four: From knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that is not humble, from a soul that is not satisfied and from a supplication that is not answered.)'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5467
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-arba': min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min du'a'in la yusma'u (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from four: From knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that is not humble, from a soul that is not satisfied and from a supplication that is not answered.)'"
Commentary on the Four Matters of Refuge
This profound supplication contains comprehensive protection from spiritual ailments that corrupt one's religion and worldly affairs. The Prophet (ﷺ) sought refuge from these four matters as they represent fundamental deficiencies in a believer's spiritual state.
1. Knowledge That Benefits Not: This refers to knowledge that doesn't lead to righteous action or increase in taqwa. It includes knowledge pursued for worldly gain, argumentation, or mere intellectual exercise without practical application. Beneficial knowledge is that which increases one's fear of Allah and improves one's character and deeds.
2. Heart That Fears Not: A heart devoid of khushu' (humility and reverence) lacks the essential quality of true faith. Such a heart doesn't tremble at Allah's remembrance nor feel awe in His presence. This spiritual hardness prevents the heart from receiving divine guidance and mercy.
3. Soul That Is Never Satisfied: This refers to the nafs that constantly craves worldly pleasures without contentment. Such insatiability leads to greed, envy, and neglect of the Hereafter. The believer should seek contentment with Allah's decree and find sufficiency in what He provides.
4. Supplication That Is Not Answered: This occurs when du'a lacks the conditions for acceptance: sincerity, presence of heart, lawful sustenance, and avoiding sin. Unanswered supplication may result from heedlessness, doubtful provisions, or persistence in disobedience.
Spiritual Remedies
To counter these ailments: Seek knowledge for Allah's pleasure and act upon it; cultivate a heart soft through Quranic remembrance; train the soul to be content with divine decree; and ensure supplications meet the conditions of acceptance through sincerity and righteousness.