اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ 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 helplessness and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt and subjugated by 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 ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri ar-rijali.
When to Read
Recite this dua whenever the heavy weight of potential failure starts to press down on you. It's a powerful supplication to invoke when you feel overwhelmed by the daunting nature of a task, worried about disappointing yourself or others, or experiencing anxiety about not meeting expectations. Use it before embarking on a significant endeavor, during moments of doubt, or anytime you feel the grip of fear tightening around your resolve.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us for supplication. Imagine the words leaving your heart and reaching Allah (Glory be to Him). Focus on each phrase, truly seeking refuge from these negative states. It's best recited after obligatory prayers or during the times when Allah (Glory be to Him) is most receptive to our duas, such as the last third of the night or between the adhan and iqamah. The intention is key: you are actively turning to your Creator for strength and protection against these debilitating feelings.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, is a shield against many forms of internal struggle that can lead to or exacerbate the fear of failure. By seeking refuge in Allah (Glory be to Him) from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hammi wal-hazani), you are addressing the emotional turmoil that failure can bring. Seeking protection from 'helplessness and laziness' (al-'ajzi wal-kasali) directly combats the inertia that fear can induce, encouraging action rather than paralysis. 'Cowardice and stinginess' (al-jubni wal-bukhli) speak to the character flaws that can hinder progress and prevent one from taking necessary risks or investing effort. While the last part about debt and subjugation seems specific, in a broader sense, it addresses the feeling of being trapped and overpowered, which often accompanies the fear of failure. This dua, therefore, equips you with spiritual and emotional resilience, reminding you that true strength and success come from Allah (Glory be to Him).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress 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 overwhelmed by debt and subjugated by men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5894)