اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الدَّجَّالِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْمَأْثَمِ وَالْمَغْرَمِ. قِيلَ: مَا أَكْثَرَ مَا تَسْتَعِيذُ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْكَلِمَاتِ! فَقَالَ: إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ إِذَا غَرِمَ حَدَّثَ فَكَذَبَ، وَوَعَدَ فَأَخْلَفَ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and debt. It was said: How often you seek refuge from these words! He said: When a man is in debt, he speaks and lies, and makes a promise and breaks it.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhab al-qabr, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat ad-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnat al-mahya wal-ma'mat. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-ma'thami wal-maghram. Qila: Ma akthara ma tasta'idhu min hadhihil-kalimat! Faqala: Inna ar-rajula idha gharima haddatha fakadhab, wa wa'ada fa'akhlaf.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when you find yourself experiencing intense shyness or embarrassment during prayer, especially if it stems from feelings of inadequacy, fear of judgment, or being overwhelmed. While it's a general supplication against sin and debt, the underlying principle of seeking refuge from inner struggles and external burdens applies strongly to overcoming these feelings. You can recite it in your heart or softly during the final sitting of your prayer, or even during the prostration (sujood) where you are closest to your Lord.
How to Read
This is a profound supplication that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used frequently. When reciting it, focus on the meaning of each phrase. Picture yourself earnestly seeking Allah's protection from the torments of the grave, the deception of the Dajjal, and the trials of life and death. For the specific context of shyness in prayer, internalize the seeking of refuge from 'sin and debt'. Understand that this 'debt' can be metaphorical, representing the burden of your shortcomings or the weight of others' expectations. Confess your weakness to Allah and ask for His strength to be steadfast and confident in His presence.
Virtues & Benefits
While this hadith specifically mentions seeking refuge from the punishment of the grave, the trial of the Dajjal, and the trials of life and death, as well as sin and debt, the broader application to overcoming internal struggles like shyness in prayer is significant. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge our own limitations and His infinite power to assist us. Overcoming shyness in prayer means feeling more connected to Allah, focusing on the worship itself rather than perceived judgment, and experiencing the peace that comes from sincere supplication. The Prophet's ﷺ own frequent recitation of this dua highlights its importance and the immense protection it offers against various forms of hardship, both spiritual and psychological.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allah from these words: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and debt.' Someone said: 'O Allah's Messenger, how often you seek refuge from debt!' He replied: 'A person commits debt, and so he talks but lies, and he makes a promise but he breaks his promises.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 832)