Understanding when to recite Istiadhah is essential. Below, we explore key moments, such as before reciting the Quran, entering the masjid, or when feeling angry or frightened, where seeking the protection of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) can guide and strengthen us.
Before reciting the Quran
Before reciting the Quran at any occasion. Even if you are reading just one verse. Isti’adhah separates the speech of men with the speech of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) i.e. after reciting Isti’adhah only, we recite the Quran. The Isti’adhah cleanses the mouth from the foul speech that it has indulged in. It also purifies the mouth and prepares it to recite the speech of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). It is like the wudu for our tongue. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mentions in the Quran to always begin the Quran only after reciting Isti’adhah.
Salah
Saying Isti’adhah is a Sunnah of Salah (not farz or wajib). It helps avoid distractions. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would say it in salah, so it is highly recommended we do it as well. According to some opinions like `Ata’ bin Abi Rabah, it is not just highly recommended, but required.
Hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah
It was narrated from Ibn Jubair bin Mut’im (radi allahu anhu) that his father said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) when he started the prayer. He said: ‘Allahu Akbaru kabiran, Allahu Akbaru kabiran (Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the Most Great indeed),’ three times; ‘Al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran, al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran (Much praise is to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala)),’ three times; ‘Subhan Allahi bukratan wa asilan (Glory is to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) morning and evening),’ three times; ‘Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minash-shaitanir-rajim, min hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa nafthihi (O Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), I seek refuge in you from the accursed Satan, from his madness, his poetry, and his pride).”
Before entering a Masjid
Because we do not want Shaytan to bother us when doing Salah or when reading the Quran.
Before entering the restroom
Shaya’teen are filthy creatures and they love to congregate in places of filth.
Hadith from Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
Anas bin Malik (radi allahu anhu) said: “When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) entered the toilet he would say: ‘O Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) Indeed I seek refuge in you.’” Shu’bah (one of the narrators) said: “Another time he said: ‘I seek refuge in you from AI-Khubthi and al-Khablth.’ Or: ‘Al-Khubthi and Al-Khaba’ith.’”
When frightened
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) taught his family to seek refuge in Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from Shaytan when worried/terrified/frightened for whatever reason.
When angry
According to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), anger or furiousness is from Shaytan. So if a person recites Isti’adhah when angry, the anger would go away and he/she would calm down.
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Sulaiman bin Surad (radi allahu anhu) reported: I was sitting with the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) when two men began to quarrel and curse each other and the face of one of them turned red and the veins of his neck were swollen (from rage). Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “I know of a word, if he were to utter that, his rage would vanish and that is: A’udhu billahi minash-shaitan nir-rajim (I seek refuge with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from Satan, the accursed).” So they (Companions) said to him: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) tells you to utter: ‘I seek refuge with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from Satan, the accursed”.
When inclined to do evil
Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mentions in the Quran to seek refuge in Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) if Shaytan puts a thought into our minds to do something evil. He also mentions that the believers, whom the human enemies kill, become martyrs, while those who fall victim to the inner enemy – Shaytan – become bandits. Further, the believers who are defeated by the apparent enemy – disbelievers – gain a reward, while those defeated by the inner enemy earn a sin and become misguided.
When visiting a new place
According to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) if a person visits any abandoned place and recites Isti’adhah, then he will not be harmed.
Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Majah
Khaula bint Hakim Sulamiyya (radi allahu anha) reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as saying: When any one of you stays at a place, he should say:” I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from the evil of that he created.” Nothing would then do him any harm until he moves from that place. Abu Huraira (radi allahu anhu) reported that a person came to Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and said:” Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), I was stung by a scorpion during the night. Thereupon he said: Had you recited these words in the evening:” I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from the evil of what he created,” it would not have done any harm to you.
In any circumstance
Isti’adhah can be recited in any situation since it is to gain spiritual help from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). The Isti’adhah entails seeking help from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and acknowledging his ability to do everything. It also affirms the servant’s meekness, weakness and inability to face the enemy of his inner evil, whom Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) alone, who created this enemy, is able to repel and defeat. This enemy does not accept kindness, unlike the human enemy.