"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min du'a'in la yusma' (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from knowledge that is of no benefit, a heart that is not humble, a soul that is not satisfied and a supplication that is not heard.)'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5536
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min du'a'in la yusma' (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from knowledge that is of no benefit, a heart that is not humble, a soul that is not satisfied and a supplication that is not heard.)'"
Commentary on Knowledge That Does Not Benefit
This refers to knowledge that does not lead to righteous action or increase in taqwa. The scholars mention this includes knowledge pursued for worldly gain, fame, or argumentation without implementation. Beneficial knowledge is that which illuminates the heart and guides to Allah's pleasure.
Commentary on the Heart That Does Not Fear
A heart that lacks khushu' (humility and reverence) is hardened and distant from Allah. The Prophet seeks refuge from a heart unmoved by Allah's remembrance, unsoftened by His verses, and unresponsive to His commands. True faith requires a heart that trembles at Allah's majesty.
Commentary on the Soul That Is Not Satisfied
This refers to the nafs that is never content with what Allah has decreed, constantly craving more worldly pleasures. The believer seeks contentment with Allah's provision, while the dissatisfied soul remains in perpetual spiritual poverty despite material abundance.
Commentary on the Supplication That Is Not Heard
This occurs when du'a lacks the conditions of acceptance: sincerity, lawful sustenance, presence of heart, and avoiding sin. The scholars explain that Allah hears all supplications, but "not heard" here means not answered due to barriers preventing its acceptance.
Spiritual Significance
This comprehensive supplication addresses the core ailments of the soul: useless knowledge hardens the heart, a hard heart prevents contentment, and discontent leads to ineffective supplication. The Prophet teaches us to seek protection from this destructive spiritual chain.