اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wa a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
Recite this dua when you feel the weight of anxiety about potential failure, when you're paralyzed by fear of inadequacy, or when facing a daunting task. It's a powerful plea for Allah's support before embarking on anything that might lead to distress or a sense of being overwhelmed.
How to Read
Make this supplication with sincere intention and heartfelt reliance on Allah. Raise your hands as you would during other duas. Believe that Allah is Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful) and Al-Wakeel (The Trustee) who will manage your affairs and grant you success if He wills.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his Companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), directly addresses the root causes of the fear of failure: distress, weakness, and an inability to act. By seeking refuge in Allah from these, we acknowledge that true strength and success come only from Him. It helps to shift our focus from the outcome (failure) to the One who controls all outcomes (Allah).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, forgive me with Your forgiveness and have mercy upon me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Then he said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the overpowering of debt and men.' Abu Bakr said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I say these words.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'O Abu Bakr, you should say them and teach them to those who are around you.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369)