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 overwhelming of debt and the subjugation 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 ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is especially relevant when facing overwhelming debt following a significant life event like divorce or illness. It's a dua that can be recited anytime, particularly during the quiet moments of the night or after your obligatory prayers. When your heart feels heavy with financial worry and the burdens of life, turn to this dua to seek Allah's protection and assistance.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, fully understanding the meaning of each phrase. Imagine yourself presenting your worries and seeking Allah's refuge. It's best to raise your hands slightly, as is customary when making dua, and to say it facing the Qiblah if possible. Maintain a state of purity (wudu) if you are reciting it after prayer. Even if you can't recite it perfectly, the effort and intention are what matter most to Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his Companion Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him), offers immense spiritual benefit. It's not just about asking for financial relief; it's about seeking Allah's protection from the mental and emotional anguish ('distress and sorrow'), the inability to act ('incapacity and laziness'), and the debilitating fears ('cowardice and stinginess') that often accompany severe debt. The specific mention of seeking refuge from 'overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men' highlights its direct relevance to those burdened by financial obligations and the potential humiliation or hardship that can come with them. By reciting this, we place our trust in Allah, asking Him to ease our burdens and protect us from the ill effects of debt.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Umamah: The Prophet ﷺ taught me some words to say in my supplication. I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me some words for supplication.' He said: 'Say: 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 overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' (When he said that) I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I find myself afflicted by distress and sorrow.' He said: 'Say: 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 overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I find myself afflicted by the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' He said: 'Say: 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 overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' (Sahih) [Translation of meaning].