اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهَرِ 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 the burden of debt and the overpowering 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 qaharir-rijali.
When to Read
This powerful dua is perfect to recite as the evening approaches, particularly when you feel the pull of idleness or the weight of unfinished tasks. It's a good habit to make it a part of your evening reflection, perhaps after Asr prayer or just before Maghrib, as you prepare to wind down your day. Recognizing the struggle against laziness is the first step, and this dua equips you with a direct appeal to Allah for assistance.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with full conviction in Allah's ability to help you. Raise your hands if you can, as this is a sign of seeking help. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly asking Allah to protect you from the states you wish to avoid. It's best to say it once, but if you feel the need, you can repeat it.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the root causes of procrastination and idleness: helplessness and laziness ('ajz and kasal). By seeking refuge in Allah from these, you are asking Him to imbue you with the energy, motivation, and mental clarity to be productive. It also includes seeking refuge from anxiety and sorrow, which often accompany unproductive days, and from debt and being overcome by others, showing the comprehensive nature of the Prophet's ﷺ supplications for well-being. This practice aligns with the Sunnah of seeking Allah's help in all aspects of life, making your efforts blessed.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to say this dua in the morning and evening. This narration is specifically about seeking refuge from various ills, and the components related to 'helplessness and laziness' are directly applicable to combating evening idleness. The context is the Prophet's ﷺ earnest concern for the well-being and productivity of his Ummah, teaching them the most effective ways to seek divine support. He ﷺ himself recited this: '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 qaharir-rijali.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369).