اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الأَعْدَاءِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the disappearance of Your blessings, and the passing away of the well-being You granted, and the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that which displeets You. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of affliction, and the attainment of misery, and the evil of decree, and the rejoicing of enemies.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa fuji'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min jahdil-balaa', wa darakish-shaqaa', wa su'il-qadaa', wa shamatatil-a'daa'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, facing prolonged or particularly challenging labor, or when you sense a significant strain on your well-being due to your efforts. It's a comprehensive plea for protection against the unseen dangers that can accompany hardship, even if the labor itself seems permissible. Recite it regularly, especially in the morning and evening, and whenever you feel the weight of excessive toil.
How to Read
This is a profound supplication that should be made with sincere intention and a heart filled with reliance on Allah. Raise your hands in supplication as you recite it, and whisper it with humility. Believe in the power of Allah's protection and His ability to ease your burdens. It's beneficial to reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you utter it, truly internalizing your plea for refuge.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers a comprehensive shield against various forms of hardship. It seeks protection not just from the physical toil but from the underlying spiritual and emotional tolls: the loss of blessings, the decline of health, the unexpected trials, and the displeasure of Allah. By seeking refuge from 'jahdil-balaa'' (the hardship of affliction) and 'darakish-shaqaa'' (the attainment of misery), we are actively safeguarding ourselves from the negative consequences that excessive or difficult labor can bring to our faith, our worldly life, and our peace of mind. The mention of 'su'il-qadaa'' (evil of decree) and 'shamatatil-a'daa'' (rejoicing of enemies) highlights how this dua protects us from the outcomes of hardship that could lead to divine disapproval or cause others to mock our situation.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would seek refuge in Allah from the aforesaid words in the morning and the evening. (Sahih Muslim 2708). This is part of a larger collection of supplications taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) for comprehensive protection.