اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly beneficial when you feel anxiety welling up, especially when it starts to manifest physically – perhaps a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a knot in your stomach. Recite it as soon as you recognize these feelings arising, or even proactively if you know you're heading into a triggering situation. It's a shield against the mental and physical turmoil of anxiety.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincere intention, recognizing that ultimate relief comes from Allah alone. Raise your hands slightly, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us is a way to make dua. Utter the words with clarity and conviction, focusing on seeking Allah's protection from these specific afflictions that feed anxiety. Even if you don't feel immediate relief, continue to make it a regular part of your supplications, trusting in Allah's timing and wisdom.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates seeking refuge from a spectrum of debilitating emotions and situations that often fuel anxiety. By asking Allah to protect us from 'distress' (al-hamm) and 'sorrow' (al-hazan), we're directly addressing the mental anguish. The mention of 'helplessness' and 'laziness' tackles the inertia anxiety can cause, while 'cowardice' and 'stinginess' touch on internal struggles. Finally, seeking refuge from 'the burden of debt' and 'the overpowering of men' acknowledges external pressures that can significantly impact our peace of mind. This comprehensive seeking of refuge helps build resilience against the triggers that can lead to physical symptoms of anxiety.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke Allah with the following supplication: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369)