اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, from being overwhelmed by debt and overpowered by men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is a comprehensive plea for protection against various debilitating states, making it particularly relevant when you feel stuck or stagnant in a situation. When facing challenges that make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward, reciting this dua can be a source of strength. It's especially fitting when you're feeling a lack of motivation (laziness), fear of taking the next step (cowardice), or a sense of being unable to overcome obstacles (overpowered by men). You can recite it regularly as a general protection, or specifically when you feel these emotions surfacing.
How to Read
This dua should be recited with sincerity and a heartfelt connection to Allah. Raise your hands in supplication, focusing your heart on the meaning of each phrase. Visualize Allah's protection surrounding you as you utter the words. It is best recited in the morning, as this was the Prophet's ﷺ practice for seeking refuge from negative states. Repeat it consistently, especially during difficult or stagnant periods.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates seeking Allah's protection from deep emotional distress (anxiety and sorrow), physical and spiritual inertia (weakness and laziness), and character flaws that hinder progress (cowardice and stinginess). It also addresses external pressures, like overwhelming debt and the dominance of others. By seeking refuge in Allah from these, we are asking for inner strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome external and internal barriers that cause stagnation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua, indicating its immense importance and effectiveness in safeguarding the believer.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to teach his companions how to pray for protection, just as he used to teach them Surahs of the Quran. He would say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, from being overwhelmed by debt and overpowered by men.) - Sahih al-Bukhari 6369