Dua & Sunnah

When Troubles Weigh You Down: The Dua of the Distressed

Difficulty
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 6369

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 incapacity 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-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.

When to Read

This powerful dua is for any moment you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges. Whether it's a heavy burden of worry (hamm) that weighs on your mind, a deep sadness (hazan) that creeps into your heart, or a feeling of helplessness (ajz) and lack of motivation (kasal), this is the prayer for you. It also covers fear (jubn) and a reluctance to spend (buhl), as well as the very real struggles of crippling debt and being oppressed by others.

How to Read

Recite this dua with sincerity, focusing on each phrase and its meaning. Imagine yourself truly presenting these worries to Allah. Raising your hands can be a beautiful gesture of supplication here, showing your dependence on Him. It's best recited with a clear mind, perhaps after your obligatory prayers or during a quiet moment of reflection.

Virtues & Benefits

This supplication is a comprehensive shield against many internal and external struggles. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge that true relief and strength come only from Him. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to his companions, showing its importance in navigating the difficulties of this life. It's a practical application of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah), turning to the One who has power over all things when we feel powerless.

Source & Authentication

Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief. I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness. I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming burden of debt and from being overpowered by men (or others)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369). The word 'qahr' can also mean to be defeated or overcome, so it encompasses any form of being unjustly controlled or defeated by people.
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 6369
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