اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the disappearance of Your blessings, the change of Your protection, the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that You decree of Your displeasure. And I seek refuge in You from the hardships of trials, the attainment of misery, the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faja'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik, wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is best recited regularly, especially during times of stress, anxiety, or when feeling overwhelmed. It's a profound supplication to make during the morning and evening remembrance (Adhkar as-Sabah wa al-Masa') as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Reciting it consistently can help fortify the mind and heart against intrusive fears and anxieties, including the fear of losing one's mental faculties.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and deep contemplation of its meaning. It is recommended to raise your hands slightly, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ when making supplication. Face the Qiblah if possible, and begin with praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. Utter the words clearly, focusing on the plea for refuge from various calamities, including those that could affect one's well-being and sanity. Repeat it three times for emphasis, as is the Sunnah for certain supplications.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encompasses a broad spectrum of seeking refuge in Allah. Specifically, by seeking refuge from 'jahdil-bala' (hardships of trials) and 'darakish-shaqa' (attainment of misery), it directly addresses states that can lead to severe mental distress and a feeling of losing control. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to his companions as a means of seeking Allah's protection against calamities that could disrupt a person's life, peace, and mental state. By reciting this, we acknowledge our complete dependence on Allah for protection against all forms of harm, both seen and unseen, including the erosion of our mental clarity and soundness of mind.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both): He said, 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to teach them [i.e., his companions] to seek refuge in Allah from the torments of the Hellfire and also teach them to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faja'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-`ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jahdi wal-dhala', wal-huzni wal-hammi, wal-`ajzi wal-kasali, wal-bukhli wal-jubni, wa dal'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.' Then the narrator mentioned a similar wording. And it was narrated by Humam from Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet ﷺ: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da'.' (Sahih Muslim 2708)