Whoever alights somewhere and then says: '‘A‘ūdhu bi kalimātillāh at-tāmmāti min sharri ma khalaq (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created)', nothing will harm him until he leaves that place

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) teaches his Ummah how to seek refuge with Allah Almighty in an effective way that wards off anything fearful when a person stops anywhere during a journey, a picnic, or otherwise. In such a situation, one should seek refuge in the words of Allah - which contain perfect excellence, blessing, and benefit and are free from any defect or deficiency - from the evil of any created being. Thus, he will be safe from anything harmful for as long as he stays in that place.

1. Isti‘ādhah (seeking refuge with Allah) is a form of worship, and the proper isti‘ādhah is to seek refuge with Allah Almighty or His names and attributes.
2. It is permissible to seek refuge with the speech of Allah, for it is one of His attributes, as opposed to seeking refuge with any created being, which is an act of polytheism.
3. The Hadīth points out the merit and blessing of this supplication.
4. Saying the dhikrs provides protection against evils.
5. It is invalid to seek refuge with anyone other than Allah, like the jinn, magicians, impostors, etc.
6. This supplication is prescribed for anyone who alights at any place, whether as a traveler or a resident.

صحيح مسلم (4/ 2080) (2708). مجموع الفتاوى (6/ 230). القول المفيد على كتاب التوحيد، لابن عثيمين (1/ 253). الملخص في شرح كتاب التوحيد، لصالح الفوزان (ص111). الجديد في شرح كتاب التوحيد، لمحمد القرعاوي (ص122). معجم اللغة العربية المعاصرة، لأحمد مختار (2/ 869).