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, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from being overwhelmed by debt and being overcome by 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 dua is excellent to recite regularly, especially when facing financial worries, contemplating business ventures, or feeling the burden of debt. It's particularly relevant after the obligatory prayers, or at any time you feel the need for Allah's protection against overwhelming debt and unjust dealings.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as you do so, and focusing on the meaning of each phrase. It's recommended to say it facing the Qiblah. Ensure you are in a state of purity if possible, although the dua itself can be made at any time. Reflect on Allah's power to relieve you of your burdens and protect you from unlawful gains.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication covers seeking refuge from significant emotional distress (distress and sorrow) and physical/spiritual lethargy (weakness and laziness). Crucially for business dealings, it directly addresses protection from cowardice (which might lead to avoiding necessary risks or opportunities) and stinginess (which can hinder investment or charity). Most importantly, it explicitly asks for protection from the crushing weight of debt ('overwhelmed by debt') and the oppressive force of people ('overcome by men'), which can include unfair business partners, exploitative lenders, or unjust authorities. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge His ultimate power to manage our affairs and shield us from hardship.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to invoke: 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, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from being overwhelmed by debt and being overcome by men." So, when I was suffering from debt, I used to invoke this invocation (saying it). Sahih al-Bukhari 6363