اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wal-'ajzi wal-kasal, wal-bukhli wal-jubn, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.
When to Read
Exams can bring a unique kind of pressure. You might feel a knot in your stomach, a mind that races, or a complete lack of motivation to even start. This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, is a shield against these very feelings. Recite it: * **When you start studying:** As you open your books, ask Allah to remove anxiety and laziness from your path. * **Before entering the exam hall:** Take a deep breath and reaffirm your reliance on Allah, seeking refuge from any form of distress or fear. * **When you feel overwhelmed:** If stress starts to creep in during preparation or even mid-exam, pause, remember Allah, and recite this dua. * **Regularly, as part of your daily adhkar:** Making this a habit morning and evening can strengthen your heart against all worldly anxieties, not just exam-related ones.
How to Read
When we make dua, it's more than just words – it's a conversation with our Creator. To truly benefit from this invocation, try to: 1. **Understand its meaning:** Reflect on each phrase. You're seeking refuge from specific negative states: 'hamm' (anxiety about the future), 'hazan' (sorrow over the past), 'ajz' (inability), 'kasal' (laziness), and other debilitating issues. Recognizing what you're asking protection from deepens your sincerity. 2. **Recite with sincerity and conviction:** Believe that Allah alone can remove these burdens and grant you ease. Your heart's presence is key. 3. **Combine with effort:** While making dua, remember that it complements your hard work. This dua helps align your heart and mind, but diligent study is still your responsibility.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently made this dua, showing us its immense importance. By reciting it, you are drawing on divine strength to combat a range of challenges: * **Protection from anxiety and sorrow:** These are the primary emotional burdens that often accompany exams. Seeking refuge means asking Allah to lift them from your heart. * **Combating weakness and laziness:** 'Ajz' (weakness/incapacity) and 'kasal' (laziness) are huge obstacles to effective studying. This dua empowers you to overcome them, finding strength and motivation. * **Inner peace and reliance:** You're placing your trust in Allah, knowing He is the ultimate remover of difficulties. This fosters a sense of tranquility and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed. * **Following a Prophetic Sunnah:** Merely reciting a dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ is a reward in itself, bringing you closer to his blessed way of life.
Source & Authentication
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men." — Sahih al-Bukhari 6369