8/32. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 1549 — Dua from a Prayer with No Benefit
Regarding Seeking Refuge
Dua from a Prayer That Does Not Benefit
Sunan Abi Dawud : 1549
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 1549
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُتَوَكِّلِ، حَدَّثَنَا الْمُعْتَمِرُ، قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو الْمُعْتَمِرِ أُرَى أَنَّ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ صَلاَةٍ لاَ تَنْفَعُ " . وَذَكَرَ دُعَاءً آخَرَ .
Anas bin Malik Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) would say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a prayer that is of no benefit."
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1549In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 134English translation : Book 8, Hadith 1544
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 1549
This Hadith is short and direct. Anas bin Malik narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would say, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a prayer that is of no benefit.” The text does not explain the full meaning of a prayer without benefit, so the safest explanation is to stay with the wording itself. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) asked Allah to protect him from a form of prayer that does not bring benefit. This shows that a believer should not treat prayer as empty movements or routine words. The Hadith encourages concern for the quality and outcome of prayer, while still leaving the full matter to Allah.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sought refuge from a prayer that does not benefit.
- A believer should care about the benefit and effect of prayer.
- Even acts of worship are brought to Allah through dua.
- Short supplications can carry deep reminders.
