Duas for Protection from the Evil Eye
Quick Answer
The main duas for protection from the evil eye and harm are: 1) Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas (the two surahs the Prophet recited for protection). 2) Ayatul Kursi. 3) 'A'udhu bi-kalimatillahi't-tammati min sharri ma khalaq' (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created). Saying 'Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah' when admiring something helps prevent the evil eye.
The Evil Eye and Protection in Islam
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The evil eye is real" (Muslim, Salam 42) — meaning that harm from an envious gaze does happen. However, Islam teaches that protection comes not through amulets or superstitious practices, but through seeking refuge in Allah and supplication.
💡 Balance: It is wrong both to entirely deny the evil eye and to attribute every misfortune to it, falling into excessive anxiety. Precaution (dua and the protective surahs) combined with trust in Allah (tawakkul) is the sound approach.
1. Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas (Al-Mu'awwidhatayn)
The two surahs the Prophet recited for protection from every kind of harm and the evil eye. Aisha narrated that before sleeping, the Prophet would recite these surahs, blow into his hands, and wipe them over his body (Bukhari, Fada'il al-Qur'an 14).
- Surah Al-Falaq — seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of all creation, of darkness, and of the envier. → Surah Al-Falaq: recitation and meaning
- Surah An-Nas — seeking refuge in Allah from the whispered evil of human and jinn devils.
It is reported that reciting these two surahs three times each, morning and evening, protects a person from all harm (Abu Dawud, Adab 110).
2. Ayatul Kursi
This stands among the foremost protective verses. The Prophet said, "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing stands between them and Paradise except death."
It is also reported that reciting it before sleeping brings a guardian who watches over the person until morning (Bukhari, Wakalah 10). → Ayatul Kursi: recitation and meaning
3. The Dua of Refuge in Allah's Words
A powerful protective dua the Prophet would recite whenever making camp or feeling afraid:
Arabic
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
Transliteration
A'udhu bi-kalimatillahi't-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
Meaning
"I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created."
— Muslim, Dhikr 54. (It is narrated that nothing can harm the one who recites it three times that night.)
4. The Morning and Evening Protection Dua
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Transliteration
Bismillahi'lladhi la yadurru ma'a'smihi shay'un fi'l-ardi wa la fi's-sama, wa huwa's-sami'u'l-'alim.
Meaning
"In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing on earth or in the heavens can cause harm. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."
It is narrated that whoever recites this three times, morning and evening, will not be struck by sudden calamity (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
5. Preventing the Evil Eye: "Masha'Allah"
When admiring something, someone, or a child, say the following to prevent the evil eye:
Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah. — "What Allah has willed has come to be; there is no power except with Allah."
Offering a blessing supplication for the person you admire (for example, "May Allah bless them") also helps prevent the evil eye.
Protecting Children from the Evil Eye
The Prophet would commend his grandsons Hasan and Husayn to Allah with this dua:
U'idhukuma bi-kalimatillahi't-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah. — "I commend the two of you to the perfect words of Allah, from every devil, every harmful creature, and every harmful evil eye." (Bukhari, Anbiya 10)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to wear an evil-eye bead (nazar boncuğu)?
Believing that protection comes from the bead itself, rather than from Allah, is not correct — this belief runs contrary to tawhid. The Quran and dua are sufficient for protection. Even if worn simply as decoration, attributing protective power to an object is a mistake.
How do you know if someone has been affected by the evil eye, and what should be done?
Islam does not establish a definitive method for "diagnosing" the evil eye; falling into excessive suspicion should be avoided. When discomfort is felt, Al-Falaq, An-Nas and Al-Fatihah are recited and breathed gently over the person (ruqyah), Ayatul Kursi is recited, and charity is given.
What is recited to protect a home or workplace from the evil eye?
It is narrated that Satan does not enter a home in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited. Regularly reciting Al-Falaq, An-Nas and Ayatul Kursi at home is also recommended.
Protective Duas in the Nurlu App
To keep up your morning and evening protection routine without missing a day:
- audio recitations of Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Ayatul Kursi and other protective duas, all in one place
- a morning-evening dhikr reminder so you never miss the three repetitions
- a dhikr counter to track how many times you've recited
Download Nurlu for free → Get it on the App Store
🔗 See also: Dua for Distress and Stress · Duas for the Sick · Surah Al-Falaq · All Duas
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dua is recited for protection from the evil eye?
Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas (Al-Mu'awwidhatayn) are the most virtuous protective surahs against the evil eye and harm. Ayatul Kursi and the dua 'A'udhu bi-kalimatillahi't-tammati min sharri ma khalaq' are also recited. The Prophet recited these surahs morning and evening.
What is said to prevent the evil eye from taking effect?
When admiring something or someone, saying 'Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah' (What Allah has willed has come to be; there is no power except with Allah) helps prevent the evil eye. The Prophet declared that the evil eye is real, and encouraged offering a blessing supplication for whatever one admires.
Is the evil eye real — does Islam recognise it?
Yes. The Prophet said, 'The evil eye is real' (Muslim, Salam 42). However, protection is not sought through amulets or superstitious practices, but through seeking refuge in Allah, reciting Al-Falaq and An-Nas, and supplication. Taking sensible precaution while relying on Allah (tawakkul), without falling into excessive fear, is the balanced approach.
What is recited to protect a child from the evil eye?
The Prophet would commend his grandchildren to Allah with the dua: 'U'idhukuma bi-kalimatillahi't-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah, wa min kulli 'aynin lammah' (Bukhari, Anbiya 10). Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas are also recited over the child, with a gentle breath afterwards.
What should be done if someone is affected by the evil eye?
Surahs Al-Falaq, An-Nas and Al-Fatihah are recited and breathed gently over the affected person (ruqyah). Ayatul Kursi is recited. Performing wudu, making supplication, and giving charity are also recommended. Superstitious practices (such as lead-pouring rituals) should be avoided.
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