What is the ruling on seeking refuge with Allah twice in a single raka'ah?
Scholars have differed on whether seeking refuge (isti‘adha) is prescribed in every rak'ah or only in the first. The preponderant view is that it is only in the first rak'ah, because the recitation in different rak'ahs is considered like a single recitation. This is supported by the hadith of Abu Hurairah: "When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, stood up from the second rak'ah, he would begin the recitation with 'All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds,' and would not be silent," meaning he would not begin with isti'adha or seek refuge. Imam Shafi'i and Ibn Sirin, however, held the view that it is recommended in every rak'ah based on the verse: "So when you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the expelled." It is also prescribed to repeat seeking refuge when there is a need to do so, such as experiencing satanic whispers, as indicated by the hadith of Uthman ibn Abi al-'As al-Thaqafi.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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