50/18. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 5467 — Dua for Beneficial Knowledge and Humility
Seeking Refuge from a Soul that is not Satisfied
Dua for Beneficial Knowledge, a Humble Heart, and a Satisfied Soul
Sunan an-Nasai : 5467
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 5467
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ أَخِيهِ، عَبَّادِ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، يَقُولُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الأَرْبَعِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-arba': min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min du'a'in la yusma'u (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from four: From knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that is not humble, from a soul that is not satisfied and from a supplication that is not answered.)'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 5467In-book reference : Book 50, Hadith 40English translation : Vol. 6, Book 50, Hadith 5469
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 5467
This Hadith is often searched as the dua for beneficial knowledge. Abu Hurairah said the Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to seek refuge with Allah from four things: knowledge that does not benefit, a heart that is not humble, a soul that is not satisfied, and a supplication that is not answered. The wording is short, but it touches the mind, heart, desire, and dua. It teaches that knowledge should bring benefit, the heart should stay humble, the soul should not remain restless with wanting more, and supplication should be worthy of being heard. The Hadith keeps the lesson simple: ask Allah to protect your inner life.
What we learn from this hadith
- Knowledge is mentioned with benefit, not just information.
- A humble heart is something to ask Allah for.
- The soul can need protection from never feeling satisfied.
- A believer seeks refuge from a supplication that is not answered.
