اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ ضِيقِ الصَّدْرِ، وَمِنْ سُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ يَوْمِ السُّوءِ، وَمِنْ لَيْلَةِ السَّوْءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ سَاعَةِ السُّوءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَامِّ الْأَمْرِ وَضَلالِهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ كُلُّهُ، وَأَنْ تُفَرِّغَ عَنِّي دَيْنِي، وَأَنْ تُغْنِيَنِي عَنْ سُؤَالِ النَّاسِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the distress of the chest and the evil of decree, and I seek refuge in You from an evil day and an evil night, and I seek refuge in You from an evil hour, and I seek refuge in You from the important matters and their misguidance. O Allah, I ask of You, with Your hand is all good, that You relieve me of my debt and enrich me from asking people.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min dhikis-sadr, wa min su'il-qada', wa a'udhu bika min yawmis-su', wa min laylatis-su', wa a'udhu bika min sa'atis-su', wa a'udhu bika min hammi 'l-amri wa dalalah, Allahumma inni as'aluka biyadikal-khairu kulluh, wa an tufarrigha 'anni daini, wa an tughniyani 'an su'alin-nas.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when made during the blessed days of fasting, especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan, or during a voluntary fast. Fasting itself is an act of worship that brings one closer to Allah, making supplications more likely to be accepted. It's recommended to recite this dua with sincerity when facing financial hardship and the burden of debt.
How to Read
Recite this dua with deep sincerity and conviction, believing in Allah's ability to alleviate your burdens. It is best to recite it after the obligatory prayers, or during the pre-dawn hours (Suhur) while fasting. Maintain a state of purity (Wudu) if possible, face the Qiblah, and raise your hands. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua seeks refuge from various forms of hardship, including mental distress and the burden of debt. It highlights the importance of asking Allah alone for relief and financial independence, thereby discouraging reliance on people. The act of fasting amplifies the sincerity and devotion behind the supplication, potentially leading to a swifter and more complete resolution of debt, by Allah's grace.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that a "Mukatab" (a slave who had agreed with his master to pay a ransom for his freedom) came to him and said: 'I am unable to pay my installments, so help me.' He replied: 'Shall I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught you, and if you had a debt as large as Mount Sabeer, Allah would surely pay it off for you? Say: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min dhikis-sadr, wa min su'il-qada', wa a'udhu bika min yawmis-su', wa min laylatis-su', wa a'udhu bika min sa'atis-su', wa a'udhu bika min hammi 'l-amri wa dalalah. Allahumma inni as'aluka biyadikal-khairu kulluh, wa an tufarrigha 'anni daini, wa an tughniyani 'an su'alin-nas.' (This hadith indicates that while the specific dua focuses on seeking refuge and general relief, the context of Ali (RA) teaching it to a person burdened by debt and the promise of Allah paying it off if it were as large as a mountain, strongly suggests its efficacy for debt relief.)