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 worry and grief. I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the subduing 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 ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when feelings of anxiety about our lives, achievements, and possessions compared to others begin to surface. Recite it before facing social media, after engaging in comparisons, or whenever you feel a pang of envy or inadequacy stemming from seeing others' perceived success.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, visualizing yourself handing over these anxieties to Allah. Raise your hands as you begin, and focus on the meaning of each phrase. It's best recited in the morning, as it was a habit of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but it can be recited at any time you feel overwhelmed by these specific worries.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua shields you from several detrimental states that fuel comparison and anxiety. By seeking refuge from 'worry and grief' (al-hammi wal-hazani), you protect your mental peace. Asking for protection from 'helplessness and laziness' (al-'ajzi wal-kasali) empowers you to take proactive steps rather than passively observing others. Guarding against 'cowardice and stinginess' (al-jubni wal-bukhli) fosters inner strength and generosity, diminishing the desire for what others possess. Finally, seeking refuge from 'overwhelming debt and the subduing of men' (ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali) addresses external pressures that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, ensuring your worth isn't tied to material possessions or societal validation.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: '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 ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 4423). This shows the importance the Prophet ﷺ placed on seeking Allah's protection from these very states that can lead to comparison and distress.