اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt and from the domination 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-rijal.
When to Read
Recite this comprehensive dua whenever you feel the sting of unfair criticism causing you anxiety or distress. It's particularly useful when feeling overwhelmed by negative opinions or gossip that seem unjust, and when the fear of people's judgment weighs heavily on your heart.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and full presence, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands slightly, as you would in supplication. Understand that 'qahr ar-rijal' (domination of men/people) can encompass the pressure and anxiety caused by harsh or unjust criticism from others. Imagine Allah protecting you from these external pressures and internal worries as you make the dua.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, offers comprehensive protection. By seeking refuge in Allah from 'qahr ar-rijal', we directly address the anxiety stemming from unfair criticism, public scrutiny, or any form of oppressive judgment from others. It also provides relief from general anxieties (hamm and hazan) and the helplessness (ajz) that can accompany them, which are often exacerbated by external negativity. It strengthens our reliance on Allah, reminding us that true peace comes from Him, not from the approval of people.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt and the domination of men (i.e., being forced by men to do something against one's will)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7302)