اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and old age, and from stinginess. And I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-harami, wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhab al-qabri, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mawati.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when facing struggles with waking up for Tahajjud or feeling overwhelmed by spiritual lethargy. Recite it regularly, perhaps after the obligatory prayers, or specifically when you feel the weight of sloth pressing down, making it difficult to engage in night worship.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a sincere intention to overcome laziness and draw closer to Allah through night worship. Raise your hands in supplication as you would during other duas. Focus on the meaning of the words and beseech Allah for His assistance. Consistent recitation, coupled with practical efforts to wake up (like setting alarms and preparing beforehand), will be most effective.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua directly addresses several obstacles to spiritual practice, including laziness (kasal). By seeking refuge from these negative traits and the torment of the grave and trials, we are asking Allah to purify our hearts and souls, making us more receptive to His worship. Overcoming lethargy in night worship allows us to experience the profound peace, answered duas, and increased barakah that Tahajjud offers.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to invoke Allah saying, "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and old age, from stinginess and from the punishment of the grave. O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the best purifier. You are the Guardian thereof and its Protecting Friend. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from an evil which is inherent in it (or, from an evil I do not know)."