Is it permissible to begin with "Aūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭāni ar-rajīm" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan) when delivering a khutbah (sermon), a lesson, or a seminar?
Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed (Al-Isti'adha), is not prescribed at the beginning of speech except when reciting the Noble Qur’an, as Allah Almighty says: (So when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed) [An-Nahl: 98]. It is not recommended for a speaker or lecturer to begin their speech with Al-Isti'adha, unless there is a reason, such as Satan whispering to them, as Allah Almighty says: (And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing) [Fussilat: 36]. Seeking refuge before reciting the Qur’an is an announcement that what follows it is the Qur’an, and it is not prescribed before any other speech.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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