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 helplessness and laziness, 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-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal
When to Read
This powerful supplication is a shield against the anxieties that creep into our hearts when we contemplate the future. When the clouds of uncertainty gather, and the 'what ifs' start to play on your mind, turning to this dua is a profound step. Recite it when you feel overwhelmed by the unknown, when worry about what might happen paralyzes you, or when the weight of potential future challenges feels too heavy to bear. It's a practice that can be integrated into your daily remembrance of Allah (dhikr), especially in the morning and evening, or whenever you feel a wave of anxiety coming on.
How to Read
The beauty of this dua lies in its direct appeal to Allah. Make sure you understand the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands (if praying, after Tasleem or during supplication) and utter these words with sincerity and conviction. Imagine each word piercing through the veil of your worries and reaching the Divine Throne. Focus on the feeling of submitting your affairs to Allah, acknowledging His power and your reliance on Him. Repeat it multiple times, especially when feeling particularly troubled by the future. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us the importance of supplication as a means of seeking Allah's help and protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a comprehensive seeking of refuge in Allah from various afflictions that can plague the human soul and impact our ability to face life's uncertainties. By seeking refuge from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hamm wal-hazan), we directly address the emotional turmoil that fear of the unknown can breed. The mention of 'helplessness and laziness' (al-'ajz wal-kasal) acknowledges that fear can rob us of our drive and capacity to act, making the future seem even more daunting. Shielding ourselves from 'cowardice and stinginess' (al-jubn wal-buhl) fortifies our spirit to face challenges with courage and generosity, rather than shrinking back or hoarding resources out of fear. Finally, seeking refuge from 'the burden of debt and the overpowering of men' (ghalabatid-dayn wa qahrir-rijal) addresses practical fears that can contribute to a sense of helplessness. This dua, therefore, is not just about emotional comfort but also about spiritual and practical fortification.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to invoke Allah saying: "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt and the overpowering of men." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369)