8/32. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 1547 — Dua Against Hunger and Treachery
Regarding Seeking Refuge
Dua for Protection from Hunger and Treachery
Sunan Abi Dawud : 1547
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 1547
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ، عَنِ ابْنِ إِدْرِيسَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَجْلاَنَ، عَنِ الْمَقْبُرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُوعِ فَإِنَّهُ بِئْسَ الضَّجِيعُ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخِيَانَةِ فَإِنَّهَا بِئْسَتِ الْبِطَانَةُ " .
AbuHurayrah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from hunger, for it is an evil bed-fellow; and I seek refuge in Thee from treachery, for it is an evil hidden trait."
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1547In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 132English translation : Book 8, Hadith 1542
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 1547
This Hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah, records a dua in which the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sought refuge from hunger and treachery. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) described hunger as an evil bed-fellow and treachery as an evil hidden trait. The wording shows two different harms. Hunger is a hardship that stays close to a person, like something lying beside them. Treachery is hidden inside, like a bad inner quality. The Hadith teaches Muslims to ask Allah for protection from both outward pain and inward betrayal. It also reminds us that faith is not only about avoiding visible harm, but also about guarding the trust and honesty within the heart.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sought refuge from hunger as a hard companion.
- Treachery is described as an evil hidden trait.
- A believer should ask Allah for protection from outer hardship and inner corruption.
- The dua points to the value of trustworthiness.
