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 anxiety 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 the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation 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 qahri-r-rijali.
When to Read
This powerful dua is perfect for those moments when the future feels uncertain and overwhelming. Recite it when you feel a knot of anxiety tightening in your chest about what's to come, whether it's a looming decision, a potential hardship, or simply the general unknown of life. It's also particularly relevant when facing financial worries (debt) or feeling powerless against external forces (subjugation of men), as these often contribute to our fear of the unknown.
How to Read
As with all duas, sincerity and conviction are key. Raise your hands (if possible) and direct your heart towards Allah. Understand the meaning of each phrase as you utter it. This dua is best recited at least once daily, perhaps after your obligatory prayers (Fardh salah) or during the times when supplication is especially accepted, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah. Repeat it consistently, trusting in Allah's plan and His ability to protect you.
Virtues & Benefits
This hadith beautifully encapsulates seeking refuge in Allah from specific afflictions that often plague the heart and mind, contributing to fear of the unknown. By reciting it, you are actively engaging in: 1. **Seeking Protection from Emotional Distress:** 'Anxiety and sorrow' are directly addressed, which are common companions to fear. 2. **Combating Inaction and Apathy:** 'Helplessness and laziness' are the seeds of despair that can grow when facing the unknown. This dua asks for the energy and will to act, trusting Allah. 3. **Fortifying Courage:** 'Cowardice' prevents us from facing challenges, while 'stinginess' can lead to regret and isolation. This dua asks for strength of character. 4. **Relieving Burdens:** 'Overwhelming debt' and 'subjugation of men' represent tangible and intangible pressures that make the future seem daunting. Allah's help is sought to alleviate these.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say: 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 anxiety 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 the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.’ — Sahih al-Bukhari 1139, Sahih Muslim 2706