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 anxiety and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from being overcome by debt and being dominated 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
This powerful dua is excellent to recite when you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of not being knowledgeable enough, or if you fear falling behind in learning. It's particularly relevant when facing new academic challenges, or when feeling a general sense of inadequacy regarding knowledge. Recite it during your daily supplications, especially after prayers, or at any moment you feel these fears creeping in.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with conviction. Raise your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did when making dua. Face the Qiblah if possible. Focus on the meaning of each phrase and feel the weight of your reliance on Allah. Utter the words clearly and thoughtfully, ensuring you pronounce them correctly. Repeat it regularly for consistent spiritual fortification.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, directly addresses fears and anxieties that can paralyze us. By seeking refuge in Allah from 'incapacity and laziness' ('ajz and kasal), we are implicitly asking for the strength and drive to overcome ignorance and the fear associated with it. Laziness is a major barrier to acquiring knowledge, and incapacity can stem from a lack of effort or divine support. This dua helps fortify the mind against the despair that illiteracy or lack of knowledge can bring, empowering us to seek beneficial learning with Allah's help.
Source & Authentication
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt and the subjugation of men." (Sahih al-Bukhari 4423)