How to Pronounce I seek refuge in God from Satan, the accursed

Meaning and Context

The phrase "I seek refuge in God from Satan, the accursed," known in Arabic as "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaitan ir-rajim" (أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم), is a fundamental invocation in Islamic practice, serving as a spiritual shield against negative influences. Rooted in the Quranic command found in Surah An-Nahl (16:98), "So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]," its primary use is as a prelude to Quranic recitation, purifying the heart and mind to engage with the divine words. Beyond this, it is a versatile dua for protection invoked in daily life—during moments of anger, fear, or moral uncertainty—to ward off the waswas (evil whispers) and temptations of Shaytan. This Tasawwudh act is a conscious declaration of human vulnerability and divine reliance, reinforcing a Muslim's taqwa (God-consciousness) and seeking barakah (blessing) in all endeavors. Its recitation is a simple yet profound practice embedded in the rhythm of a believer's day, from beginning prayers to seeking safety before sleep or travel.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

Given its Arabic origin, the phrase is subject to various transliterations into the Latin alphabet, leading to multiple accepted spellings. The most common transliteration is "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaitan ir-rajim." Frequent variations include "Audhu" (dropping the apostrophe), "billah" (omitting the 'i'), and "min ash-shaytan" (using 'y' instead of 'i'). The word "ar-rajim" is sometimes spelled "ar-rajeem" to reflect the long vowel sound. Common typos and errors arise from mishearing or phonetic spelling by non-Arabic speakers, resulting in forms like "Audhubillah," "Minashaitan," or "rajim" spelled as "rageem." A significant error is the omission of "ir-rajim" (the accursed), shortening the phrase and losing a key attribute of Satan. In written Arabic, careful attention must be paid to the correct diacritics and spelling (أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم) to preserve its meaning. When referencing it in English, it is often styled as "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast" or "the accursed," with "accursed" being the most common translation.

Example Sentences

Before opening the Mus'haf to begin her nightly recitation, Mariyam quietly whispered, "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaitan ir-rajim," to seek spiritual clarity.

Feeling a sudden surge of unjust anger during the debate, he paused internally to seek refuge in God from Satan, the accursed, and responded with calm.

Islamic tradition teaches that reciting "I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled" is a powerful means of dispelling disturbing thoughts and evil whispers.

Many Muslims make it a habit to utter this protective phrase before entering their homes, starting a meal, or embarking on a journey.

The teacher explained that the command to seek refuge is explicitly mentioned in the Quran, establishing it as a recommended Sunnah act prior to reading any chapter.

In moments of fear or distress, the simple invocation serves as an immediate reminder of divine protection against both seen and unseen harms.

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