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 worry and grief, 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 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
Recite this dua in the evening, perhaps after Maghrib or before going to sleep. As the day draws to a close, it's a perfect time to reflect on the energy levels we experienced and seek Allah's protection from the kinds of laziness and procrastination that might hinder our efforts tomorrow.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with a clear intention of seeking Allah's refuge. Raise your hands if possible, as is customary when making supplication. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly feeling the need for Allah's help against these afflictions.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his beloved companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), directly addresses the core issues of laziness and helplessness. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge that true strength and motivation come from Him alone. Regularly reciting this can help ward off the inertia that prevents us from fulfilling our responsibilities, whether they are worldly or religious.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr As-Siddiq: He said, "O Messenger of Allah! Teach me a supplication to recite in the morning and evening. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knows the unseen and the seen, verily I make a covenant with You in the same covenant You made with Your Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and as You gave me a new knowledge of myself, so forgive my sins and protect me from the evil of my own self, and protect me from Satan and from what he may cause me to sin. And I invoke Allah's sight for protection against all evils, and against the evil of all the created beings. And I invoke Allah's praises for all goodness. And I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of my own soul, and from the evil of every wrongdoer, and from the evil of every moving creature, and from the evil of the cursed Satan and his incitements, and from the evil of the believing jinn and the unbelieving jinn, and from the evil of the disbelieving Arabs and non-Arabs." Abu Bakr asked, "O Messenger of Allah! What should I say when I wake up in the morning and in the evening?" He (ﷺ) said, 'Say: O Allah! The Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Lord of all things and their possessor, I bear witness that there is no god but You, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my own soul, and from the evil of Satan and his helpers.' Then Abu Bakr said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Teach me a supplication that I should recite in the morning and in the evening.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knows the unseen and the seen, verily I make a covenant with You in the same covenant You made with Your Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), so forgive my sins, and protect me from the evil of my own soul, and protect me from Satan and what he may cause me to sin.' Abu Bakr said, 'O Messenger of Allah, please teach me a comprehensive supplication.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Say: O Allah! I have wronged myself, and none can forgive sins but You. So, grant me forgiveness and bestow upon me Your abundant goodness. Verily, You are Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Then Abu Bakr said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Tell me what I should say.' He (ﷺ) said, 'Say: O Allah! I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, 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 oppression of men.' (Note: The beginning part of the hadith details other duas taught by the Prophet ﷺ. The specific dua related to laziness and procrastination is the last one mentioned).