Ta'awwudh

The Ta`awwudh (Arabic: تعوذ) is the phrase A`ūdhu billāhi min ash-shaitāni r-rajīmi (أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّـيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ). This is an Arabic sentence meaning "I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the accursed one". It is often recited by Muslims before reciting the Qur'an and before beginning a task. It is often followed by the Basmala. Ta'awwudh and basmalah are pronounced along with the formulation of the niyyah (intention). The recitation of ta`awwudh is considered a subcategory of dua. It is also described in the hadith as a supplication to reduce or remove rage or wrath.