اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and old age, and from stinginess. And I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-harami, wal-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhab il-qabri, wa min fitnat il-mahya wal-mawati.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant when you feel a lack of motivation or energy to pursue your livelihood. Recite it after every obligatory prayer, or at any time you feel the grip of sloth affecting your efforts to earn a lawful living. It’s a comprehensive plea for protection against inner weaknesses that hinder our worldly and spiritual progress.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and full awareness of its meaning. Raise your hands as you do so, as is customary when seeking refuge with Allah. Ensure you understand that seeking Allah's help is the foundation, but it must be coupled with genuine effort on your part. This dua is a tool to strengthen your resolve and seek divine assistance in overcoming internal barriers to productivity.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is comprehensive, seeking Allah's protection from four key character flaws: helplessness ('ajz), laziness (kasal), cowardice (jubn), and old age (haram - often implying weakness associated with it). It also protects against stinginess (buhl), which can prevent one from spending in good causes or investing wisely. Furthermore, it seeks refuge from the torment of the grave and the trials of this life and the hereafter. By reciting this, you actively ask Allah to shield you from spiritual and physical impediments that can prevent you from earning sustenance diligently and honorably.
Source & Authentication
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to seek refuge in the following words: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and old age, from stinginess, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death.' (Sahih Muslim 2706)