Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 174
Supplication on Alighting at a Halt

982. Khaulah bint Hakim (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Whosoever alights somewhere and says: `A`udhu bikalimat-illahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge with the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created),' nothing will harm him until he leaves that place.''
[Muslim].

Commentary:  Wherever and whenever we stay, be it at night or in the day time, for a short or long duration, we should recite this supplication.

983. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) set out on a journey, he would say by nightfall: "Ya ardu, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-illahu, a`udhu billahi min sharriki wa sharri ma fiki, wa sharri ma khuliqa fiki, wa sharri ma yadibbu `alaiki; a`udhu billahi min sharri asadin wa aswadin, wa minal-hayyati wal-`aqrabi, wa min sakinil-baladi, wa min walidin wa ma walad [O land, my Rubb and your Rubb is Allah, I seek refuge in Him from your evils, the evils of what you contain, the evils of what has been created in you, and the evils of what walks upon you. I seek refuge in Allah from lions, black serpents, scorpions and from the inhabitants of the place, and from the parent (i.e., Satan) and his offspring who inhabit a settlement (i.e., helpers from amongst the devils)].''
[Abu Dawud].

Commentary:  This prayer teaches us to seek Allah's Protection against all animals and poisonous insects of the earth. Among earth dwellers are also included jinn. In the dark of night one may encounter harm from all such creatures. We are recommended to recite this prayer more at night, than during the day because harm is more likely to take place at night; and whoever recites this prayer with the firm belief that Allah will protect him against all the evils mentioned in the Hadith, Allah will surely protect him.