اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ 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 weakness and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt and by the force 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 ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal
When to Read
This powerful dua can be recited at any time, but it's particularly beneficial to invoke it just before or during prayer when you feel overcome by sleepiness. It's also excellent to make this supplication during the times when duas are readily accepted, such as the last third of the night, between the Adhan and Iqamah, or after obligatory prayers. Making it a habit to seek Allah's help against this specific ailment of kasal (laziness) can make a significant difference in your focus and presence in Salah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, truly feeling the need for Allah's assistance. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, especially seeking refuge from 'kasal' (laziness). Imagine the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, our beloved guide, making this very supplication. Try to raise your hands as you begin this dua, a practice often associated with seeking Allah's help, and then continue with your prayer with renewed focus, asking Allah to keep you alert and present.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, directly addresses the spiritual and physical ailments that can hinder our worship. Seeking refuge from 'kasal' (laziness) is crucial because it's a state that prevents us from performing good deeds, including prayer, with the dedication they deserve. By asking Allah to remove this impediment, we are asking Him to grant us the strength and clarity of mind needed to remain awake, focused, and fully engaged in our conversation with Him. It also encompasses seeking refuge from broader anxieties and weaknesses, which can indirectly contribute to a lack of focus in prayer.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to invoke Allah saying: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow. I seek refuge in You from weakness and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt and by the force of men." Sahih al-Bukhari 6369