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 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 dua is particularly relevant when facing overwhelming debt, especially when that debt has been exacerbated by unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters. Recite it in your daily prayers, after prayers, or at any time you feel the weight of financial hardship and helplessness pressing down on you. It's a prayer for resilience and divine intervention when our own means are insufficient.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, turning to Allah with a humble heart. It's best recited after the obligatory prayers (Salat), but can be said at any time. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that you are seeking Allah's protection from specific spiritual and material ailments that can plague a person, including overwhelming debt and the feeling of being overcome by others' claims (qahr ar-rijal).
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection. By seeking refuge in Allah from distress and sorrow, we ask for peace of mind. Protection from helplessness and laziness aids in taking proactive steps towards recovery. Shielding from cowardice and stinginess promotes courage and generosity, essential for navigating difficult times. Most importantly, seeking refuge from the 'overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men' is a direct plea for Allah to ease our financial burdens and prevent us from being unjustly treated or controlled by our creditors, especially when our situation is due to factors beyond our control like natural calamities.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "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." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369). The phrase 'qahr ar-rijal' can refer to being overcome by men in general, or specifically by creditors demanding repayment when one is unable to pay, especially if one is unjustly treated.