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 being overwhelmed by debt and being overcome by 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 is a comprehensive dua that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to recite both in the morning and in the evening. It's particularly relevant for the evening as we seek Allah's protection from worries and negative traits that can trouble us during the night and carry over into the next day. Reciting it before sleep helps us entrust our affairs to Allah and begin the night with a purified heart, free from the pangs of greed and envy that can plague us.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Raise your hands slightly if you are alone or in a suitable setting, and feel the weight of each phrase as you seek refuge in the Almighty. The emphasis is on recognizing our own weakness and dependency on Allah for protection against these internal battles.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is powerful because it addresses several core human weaknesses. By seeking refuge from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hammi wal-hazani), we ask for inner peace. 'Incapacity and laziness' (al-'ajzi wal-kasali) points to a desire for strength and motivation to do good. 'Cowardice and stinginess' (al-jubni wal-bukhli) are crucial to overcome, as greed (often linked to stinginess) and envy are destructive forces that can corrupt the heart and lead to harming oneself and others. Envy, in particular, is a disease that eats away at blessings, and greed is a relentless hunger. This dua, by seeking protection from these, is a profound way to guard our spiritual well-being. It’s a shield against the whispers of Shaytan that exploit these desires.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 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. (He said): 'I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, why is it that you so often supplicate for protection from debt?' He said: 'A man, when he is in debt, tells lies and breaks his promises, although he is poor and I do not want you to be poor.' And the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The rich man amongst you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection and will have a black streak of fire around his neck, and will be brought near to his sustenance of water. Then the people will be called to account and he will be asked: Did you bring what is with you?' (And he would say: 'Yes.') Then he will be asked: 'Did you spend it?' Then he will be asked: 'Did you spend it in the way of Allah or in the way of the enemy?' Then he will be asked: 'Did you leave your wealth in my way, or in the way of my enemy?' Then he will be told: 'Be relentless in the pursuit of your sustenance and do not let it be a burden on your neck.' He said: 'If a man dies and owes the Muslims a debt, the Creditor will not cease to ask him for his debt until he is satisfied from him, or the Lord Almighty makes a way for him to pay it.' (Sahih Muslim 1619, but the part about protection from debt is emphasized in Bukhari 6369, and the broader protection categories are key here for greed/envy).