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 being overwhelmed by debt and from the domination 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-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
This dua is a powerful supplication for seeking Allah's help when burdened by debt, particularly if that debt arose from a financial decision that didn't turn out as expected (a misjudgment). It's best recited after every obligatory prayer, or at any time you feel overwhelmed by your financial situation. Consistency is key; make it a habit, especially during the times when duas are more likely to be answered, like the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and deep conviction in Allah's ability to alleviate your burden. Focus on the meaning of each phrase. Start by seeking refuge in Allah from emotional distress (worry and grief) and then from incapacitating traits (weakness and sloth). Follow this by seeking refuge from character flaws (cowardice and miserliness). Crucially, end by specifically asking Allah to protect you from the heavy burden of debt and the oppression that can come from those to whom you owe it. Raising your hands slightly can be part of the etiquette of making dua, as is facing the Qiblah if possible and doing so with humility.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, offers immense spiritual and practical benefits. It not only addresses the external burden of debt ('overwhelmed by debt') but also seeks protection from the internal struggles that often accompany it, such as worry, grief, helplessness, and laziness. By seeking refuge from the 'domination of men,' it implies a request for Allah to help you manage your affairs justly and to protect you from any unfair pressure or mistreatment from creditors. Making this a regular practice can bring peace of mind and open avenues for financial relief through means you might not have foreseen, trusting in Allah's promise of provision for those who rely on Him.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْقَبْرِ، وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَفِتْنَةِ النَّارِ، وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْغِنَى، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْفَقْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ. اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْ قُلُوبَنَا بِمَاءِ الثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّ قُلُوبَنَا مِنَ الْخَطَايَا، كَمَا نَقَّيْتَ الثَّوْبَ الأَبْيَضَ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، وَبَاعِدْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَانَا، كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ." And Anas added on his own behalf: "And we used to recite (along with the Prophet): 'O Allah! I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, cowardice and senility, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the grave and the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the fire and the punishment of the fire, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the trial of richness, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the trial of poverty, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the trial of the Antichrist.'" Another version narrated by Abu Bakr: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is no person afflicted by worry and grief who says: "اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ، سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي" Except that Allah will remove his worry and grief, and replace them with joy. His companions asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! Should we learn these words?' He replied: 'Yes, it is incumbent upon everyone who hears them to learn them.' (Note: The provided entry focuses on a specific part of a comprehensive dua found within Sahih al-Bukhari, highlighting the aspect related to debt, which is narrated in various contexts and wordings. The version used in the entry, 1551, is a well-established narration for seeking refuge from debt and the domination of men.)