اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَالْهَرَمِ، وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَفِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from old age, and from the torment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wal-harami, wa 'adhabil-qabri, wa fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat.
When to Read
The Prophet ﷺ frequently recited this profound dua, underscoring its importance in our daily lives. It's especially beneficial when you find yourself struggling with a lack of motivation, spiritual inertia, or general apathy. You can recite this dua at any time, but consider making it a regular part of your morning and evening remembrances, or after your prescribed prayers. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the urge to procrastinate, neglect a duty, or when spiritual acts feel heavy on your heart, turn to Allah with this powerful supplication.
How to Read
To gain the most from this dua, recite it with sincerity and a deep conviction in Allah's power to transform your state. Reflect on each phrase: you are seeking refuge from **incapacity** (العَجْزِ), the feeling of being unable to achieve or act, and from **laziness** (الْكَسَلِ), the inertia that prevents you from fulfilling your duties. Understand that these are not merely physical states but can manifest spiritually, hindering your worship and growth. Let your heart be present with your words, truly desiring Allah's protection from these debilitating traits.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a direct plea to Allah to shield you from internal weaknesses that impede your progress in both your spiritual devotion and your worldly responsibilities. It is a powerful practice that fosters deep reliance on Allah, helping to cultivate **diligence**, **perseverance**, and an active pursuit of goodness. By seeking refuge from laziness and incapacity, you align yourself with Allah's will for you to be a proactive, productive, and spiritually vibrant servant, striving for excellence in all aspects of life. It’s a spiritual anchor against the tides of apathy and inaction.
Source & Authentication
> **Arabic:** حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ وَابْنُ نُمَيْرٍ وَأَبُو سَعِيدٍ الأَشَجُّ كُلُّهُمْ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ إِدْرِيسَ - قَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ إِدْرِيسَ - عَنْ عَاصِمِ بْنِ كُلَيْبٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ " > > **Translation:** Anas b. Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from incapacity, from indolence, from cowardice, from senility, from miserliness, and I seek refuge in Thee from the torment of the grave and from the trials of life and death." > > — Sahih Muslim 2706a