((اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِي نُحُورِهِم، وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ)).
(Allahumma inna najAAaluka fee nuhoorihim wanaAAoothu bika min shuroorihim.)
(O Allah, we place You before them and we take refuge in You from their evil.)
Source & authenticity
Source: Hisn al-Muslim · Reference: Hisn al-Muslim 36
Translation: Hisn al-Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim), Sa'id al-Qahtani — see site-wide attribution
IslamicInfo presents the source information available in its current verified database and does not issue religious rulings.
Context & meaning
Two clauses, both plural, and both position Him between the speakers and the adversary. The first is spatial: we place You before them. The second is the more familiar form, taking refuge in Him from their evil. He is not asked to act in either clause — He is asked to be somewhere, and to be the place fled to. No specific harm is ever named.
When & how to recite
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari reported these words, said on meeting an adversary or a powerful ruler.
Reflection
Neither clause requests a defeat or any outcome. Both describe a position rather than an event, and the adversary is referred to only as them.
About these notesThe notes above explain the wording of the supplication as it is translated on this page. They add no commentary, history or ruling beyond it.
Common questions
What does this supplication actually say?
Rendered in English: “O Allah, we place You before them and we take refuge in You from their evil.” Two clauses, both plural, and both position Him between the speakers and the adversary.
Is there a transliteration?
Read without Arabic letters it is: “Allahumma inna najAAaluka fee nuhoorihim wanaAAoothu bika min shuroorihim.”
When should you say it?
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari reported these words, said on meeting an adversary or a powerful ruler. Neither clause requests a defeat or any outcome.
What is the source for this?
The entry is filed at Riyad as-Salihin 648.