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 anxiety 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 by the oppression 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-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant when you feel overwhelmed by worries, burdens, or challenges, whether they manifest as anxiety about the future (hamm) or sadness over past events (hazan). It's a comprehensive plea for protection against internal struggles and external pressures. While it can be recited at any time, including during sujood (prostration) in your prayer when you are closest to Allah, it's especially beneficial when you feel a spiritual or emotional weight that makes your prayer feel difficult or heavy. It's a way to seek Allah's assistance in overcoming obstacles that might hinder your focus and devotion during Salah.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with full awareness of its meaning and a heartfelt plea to Allah. It's recommended to recite it during your prayer, perhaps in the prostration (sujood) after reciting the tasbeeh of ruku', or during the final sitting before the tasleem. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself would often repeat his duas for emphasis. Focus on the distinct aspects of protection you are seeking: freedom from worry and grief, the strength to overcome incapacity and idleness, courage against fear, and liberation from financial hardship and the dominance of others.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, offers comprehensive protection against a range of debilitating conditions. It seeks refuge from mental and emotional distress (anxiety and sorrow), physical and spiritual lethargy (helplessness and laziness), character flaws (cowardice and stinginess), and societal/financial burdens (overwhelming debt and the oppression of others). By reciting this, we acknowledge our reliance on Allah and actively seek His support in navigating life's difficulties, allowing us to approach our prayers with a lighter heart and a stronger spirit.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ" (Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wa a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal). (Translation: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety 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 by the oppression of men).