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 distress and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and from being overcome by men (or from 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-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
Recite this dua whenever you feel the weight of misunderstanding from loved ones pressing down on you. It's particularly beneficial when this fear leads to anxiety (hamm) or sadness (hazan). Say it after your obligatory prayers or at any time you feel the need for Allah's protection against the pressure of others' perceptions.
How to Read
Recite it with sincerity and a heart that truly seeks Allah's refuge. Turn to Allah with humility, acknowledging His power to protect you from all forms of distress, including the emotional turmoil caused by being misunderstood. It's best to raise your hands in supplication as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, though it's not a strict condition.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua directly addresses several anxieties, including 'distress and sorrow,' which can be exacerbated by feeling misunderstood by those closest to us. Seeking refuge from 'being overcome by men' (or the oppression of men) is directly relevant when the fear stems from potential disapproval, judgment, or lack of acceptance from family and friends. By seeking Allah's protection, we strengthen our reliance on Him and find inner peace, regardless of external validation.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to invoke: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the burden of debt and from being overcome by men.' Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri said that he heard this from the Prophet (ﷺ) and repeated it twice. When they were around him, he said, 'I have said them and I have not forgotten anything, but two units of prayer.' (Sahih Muslim 589)