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 being overwhelmed by debt and from 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
Recite this dua when you feel the weight of comparing yourself to others, when anxiety about what you lack in comparison to their perceived successes begins to overwhelm you. It is particularly effective when you feel a sense of inadequacy or distress stemming from these comparisons. Making it a regular part of your morning or evening remembrance (dhikr) can build a shield against such anxieties.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, making a sincere intention to seek Allah's protection from these internal struggles. Utter the words with conviction, visualizing Allah's power protecting you. It is best recited after the obligatory prayers, but can be said at any time you feel the need. Maintain a state of purity if possible, and face the Qiblah.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, directly addresses the root causes of many anxieties, including the one fueled by comparison. By seeking refuge in Allah from 'distress and sorrow' (hamm and huzn), we acknowledge that these feelings are often amplified when we focus on what others have or appear to be. The Prophet ﷺ's inclusion of 'helplessness and laziness' suggests that comparison can paralyze us, making us feel incapable and unmotivated. This dua aims to restore a sense of agency and contentment by reminding us that ultimate reliance and strength come from Allah alone. It helps redirect our focus from the creation to the Creator, fostering gratitude for what we have been given.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to teach his companions to seek refuge in Allah with these words: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wa a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5901). The explanation is that 'al-hammu' is a worry about the past, and 'al-huznu' is a sorrow for the past. Some scholars also explain 'al-hammu' as the worry about future affairs that one cannot achieve, and 'al-huznu' as grief over what has passed.