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 worry and grief. 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 qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is for all Muslims, but it holds special significance for our elders. As we age, life can present unique challenges – physical limitations, potential loneliness, or the feeling of being a burden. During these times, despair and hopelessness can creep in. Recite this dua regularly, especially when feeling down, anxious, or facing difficulties. It's a shield against the emotional and mental burdens that can weigh heavily on the heart.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands (as is customary for supplication) or place your right hand on your chest, over your heart, and recite it with conviction. It can be recited at any time, but it is particularly potent after the obligatory prayers (Salah) or during the times when duas are readily accepted, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), offers a robust spiritual defense. By seeking Allah's refuge from worry, grief, helplessness, and laziness, we empower ourselves to face life's trials with resilience. The protection sought from cowardice and stinginess helps maintain good character and generosity. Crucially, seeking refuge from overwhelming debt and the subjugation of others addresses major sources of distress and helplessness, vital for maintaining peace of mind in old age. It reinforces reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and reminds us that true strength and freedom come from Him alone.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: 'O Abu Bakr, indeed I have been given the words to ask Allah with.' He said: 'Teach me those words.' He said: 'Say: O Allah, I have wronged myself unjustly, and none can forgive sins but You. So, grant me forgiveness and grant me mercy, and You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' He said: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, 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 subjugation of men.' (The narrator asked about this dua and was told that the Prophet ﷺ used to say it.)