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 overcome by debt and from 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-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant as evening approaches, a time when many find themselves succumbing to procrastination. Recite it before the evening sets in, or whenever you feel the weight of tasks ahead and the pull of inactivity. It's a moment to consciously turn to Allah, asking for His divine assistance to energize you and ward off the lethargy that can steal precious time.
How to Read
This dua is best recited with sincerity and a clear intention. Raising your hands slightly, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, can enhance the feeling of supplication. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, internalizing the request for protection against mental and physical inertia. Take a deep breath, and let the words flow from your heart, knowing that Allah hears your plea.
Virtues & Benefits
By seeking refuge in Allah from 'al-kasal' (laziness), you are directly asking for His help to overcome procrastination. This encompasses not just physical laziness, but also the mental inertia that prevents us from starting or completing tasks. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ's own practice of seeking refuge in Allah highlights the importance of this dua in maintaining spiritual and practical well-being. It acknowledges that true strength and motivation come from our Creator, and that even the most mundane struggles, like overcoming evening inertia, are worthy of seeking His aid.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet Muhammad 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 ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijali.' (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 overcome by debt and from the subjugation of men.) This hadith is narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6369.