"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: '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 5537
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: '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 the Four Refuge Seekings
From knowledge that brings no benefit: This refers to knowledge that does not lead to righteous action or increase in faith. The scholars explain this includes knowledge pursued for worldly gain, argumentation, or showing off, rather than seeking Allah's pleasure.
From a heart that is not humble: A heart devoid of khushu' (reverent fear) lacks proper consciousness of Allah. Such a heart remains hard and unresponsive to divine guidance, unable to experience true devotion or spiritual elevation.
From a soul that is not satisfied: The nafs that never feels content constantly craves worldly pleasures and never finds tranquility in what Allah has decreed. This insatiable nature prevents spiritual growth and gratitude.
From a supplication that is not heard: This occurs when du'a lacks proper conditions - such as sincerity, lawful sustenance, or presence of heart - making it unworthy of divine acceptance according to Allah's wisdom.
Scholarly Insights
Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes this comprehensive supplication covers protection from defects in one's knowledge, spiritual state, character, and worship - the essential pillars of religious life.
Al-Munawi explains that seeking refuge from useless knowledge implies seeking beneficial knowledge that increases taqwa and good deeds, as the Prophet said: "I seek refuge in Allah from knowledge that does not benefit."
Ibn al-Qayyim observes that these four matters are interconnected - useless knowledge hardens the heart, leading to insatiable desires, which then renders supplications unanswered due to spiritual barriers.