8/32. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 1546 — Dua Against Hypocrisy and Bad Character
Regarding Seeking Refuge
Dua for Protection from Hypocrisy and Bad Character
Sunan Abi Dawud : 1546
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 1546
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا بَقِيَّةُ، حَدَّثَنَا ضُبَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي السَّلِيكِ، عَنْ دُوَيْدِ بْنِ نَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانُ، قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَدْعُو يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشِّقَاقِ وَالنِّفَاقِ وَسُوءِ الأَخْلاَقِ " .
AbuHurayrah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate by saying: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from divisiveness, hypocrisy, and evil character."
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1546In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 131English translation : Book 8, Hadith 1541
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 1546
This Hadith focuses on the inner and social dangers that can harm a believer. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to seek refuge in Allah from divisiveness, hypocrisy, and evil character. The dua is short, but its meaning is wide. Divisiveness harms relationships and community life. Hypocrisy harms sincerity and faith. Evil character harms the way a person deals with Allah’s servants. The Hadith does not give a long explanation, so the safest lesson is to stay close to its words: ask Allah to protect the heart, speech, and behavior from these harms. It is a strong dua for anyone trying to improve manners and sincerity.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sought refuge from divisiveness.
- Hypocrisy is serious enough to be named in a direct supplication.
- Bad character is something a believer should ask Allah to be saved from.
- The dua links personal faith with social conduct.
