Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem

Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem means “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.” In Arabic, it is written as أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ. This phrase is a short but powerful way of asking Allah for protection from Shaytan, his whispers, evil thoughts, anger, pride, doubts, and anything that can pull a person away from the truth. Muslims say it to remind themselves that real safety comes only from Allah. It is also known as Isti‘adhah or Ta‘awwudh, which means seeking protection.

A simple way to pronounce it is: A oo dhu bil laa hi minash shay taa nir ra jeem. Break it down slowly like this:
A‘ūdhu sounds like “A oo dhu” and means “I seek refuge.”
Billāhi sounds like “bil laa hi” and means “in Allah.”
Minash Shayṭān sounds like “minash shay taan” and means “from Satan.”
Ar Rajīm sounds like “ar ra jeem” and means “the rejected or accursed one.”
For non Arabic speakers, the main point is to say it with respect and a sincere heart. Try to make the “sh” clear in “shaytan” and stretch the “laa” in “Allah” gently.

Muslims say Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem when they want Allah’s protection from Shaytan and harmful thoughts. It is especially said before reciting the Quran, because Allah tells believers to seek His refuge before recitation. It is also commonly said when a person feels angry, scared, tempted, distracted in prayer, or troubled by bad thoughts.

Common daily uses include:

• Before reading the Quran: Say it before starting your recitation.
• When feeling angry: Say it to calm yourself and ask Allah to protect you from Shaytan’s influence.
• When bad thoughts come: Say it and turn your heart back to Allah.
• When you feel spiritual weakness: Say it as a reminder that Shaytan is an enemy and Allah is your protector.
• During worship: If you feel distracted in salah or dhikr, say it quietly and refocus.

Example: If someone is about to lose patience, they may say, “Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem,” take a breath, and avoid saying something harmful.

The meaning of Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem is directly supported by the Quran. Allah says: “So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the rejected.” Reference: Quran 16:98. This verse teaches Muslims to begin Quran recitation by asking Allah for protection from Shaytan.

The Quran also teaches believers to ask Allah for protection from the devils. Allah says: “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils, and I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me.” Reference: Quran 23:97 to 23:98.

In an authentic hadith, two men were arguing in front of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. One of them became very angry. The Prophet said that he knew a word which, if the man said it, his anger would leave him: “A‘ūdhu billāhi minash shayṭānir rajīm.” Reference: Sahih al Bukhari 6115 and Sahih Muslim 2610. This shows that saying this phrase is not only for Quran recitation. It is also a Sunnah remedy when anger or Shaytan’s whisper becomes strong.

This phrase is written in different ways in English because Arabic sounds do not always match English letters exactly. Common spellings include Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem, A‘ūdhu billāhi minash shayṭānir rajīm, Audhu billahi min ash shaytan ir rajim, and Auzu billahi minash shaitanir rajeem. All of these point to the same Arabic phrase.

Related terms include Isti‘adhah, which means seeking refuge in Allah, and Ta‘awwudh, which is another name for saying this phrase. Another related phrase is Bismillah, meaning “In the name of Allah.” Many Muslims say Auzubillah before Quran recitation and then say Bismillah before starting a surah, except when starting Surah At Tawbah.