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 burden 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-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
Recite this dua in the evening before sleeping. It's part of the Prophet's ﷺ comprehensive supplications to seek Allah's protection from various troubles, including the internal struggle against laziness that can steal our motivation and productivity. Waking up feeling drained is often linked to the state we're in when we fall asleep.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincere intention and a heart turned towards Allah. As this dua is part of the evening remembrance, it's good practice to also recite other established evening adhkar, such as Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs of the Quran (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas). Make a conscious effort to internalize the meaning as you speak, asking Allah for strength to overcome the inertia that keeps you from doing good.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a powerful shield against mental and emotional burdens that often fuel procrastination and laziness. By seeking refuge in Allah from 'incapacity and laziness' (العجز والكسل - al-'ajzi wal-kasali), we are directly asking for the strength to act and the will to persevere. The Prophet ﷺ taught us this comprehensive supplication to protect us from a wide range of harms, both internal and external, recognizing that a lack of inner strength can lead to many difficulties in our daily lives and spiritual journeys. This specific part of the dua helps us to ward off the lethargic state that can settle in, especially at night, preventing us from having a productive day ahead.
Source & Authentication
The narrator, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate a lot saying: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5903). This dua is general and can be recited at any time, but it is particularly beneficial to recite it before sleep to seek protection and strength for the next day.