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 distress 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 burden of debt and the oppression 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-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This dua is incredibly potent when you feel the weight of anxieties, persistent worries, and intrusive thoughts that lead to feelings of helplessness or a compulsion to act in certain ways. Recite it during the day, especially when you feel these feelings escalating, or as part of your regular supplications after prayers. It's a shield against the internal battles that can plague the mind.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and focus, believing in Allah's power to protect you. Raise your hands slightly, as you would during supplication, and utter these words with humility. Visualizing yourself being enveloped by Allah's protection can enhance the effect. Try to understand the meaning of each phrase as you say it; this deepens the connection and the plea.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, directly addresses states of mind and external pressures that can trigger or exacerbate obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Seeking refuge in Allah from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hammi wal-hazani) helps calm the heart and mind, which are often the primary targets of such afflictions. Protection from 'incapacity and laziness' (al-'ajzi wal-kasali) empowers you to take practical steps, breaking the cycle of inaction that can fuel anxiety. Shielding from 'cowardice and stinginess' (al-jubni wal-bukhl) builds inner strength and generosity, both of which are antidotes to controlling thoughts. Finally, seeking refuge from 'the burden of debt and the oppression of men' (ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal) removes external stressors that can intensely amplify internal turmoil. By reciting this, you are actively seeking Allah's help to fortify yourself against the very roots of mental and emotional distress.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to invoke Allah saying: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress 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 burden of debt and the oppression of men."