اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَرَمِ وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from decrepit old age and the evil of old age.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-harami wa su'il-kibar
When to Read
This profound dua was frequently recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It's a prayer seeking protection from the debilitating aspects of advanced age. As such, it is most fitting to recite this dua regularly, as part of your daily morning and evening adhkar, and after your obligatory prayers. You can also make this dua whenever you reflect on the blessings of sound health and mind, or when you see an elder struggling with the challenges of old age, renewing your intention to be of benefit throughout your life.
How to Read
Recite this dua with deep sincerity and reflection on its meaning. When you say 'haram' (decrepit old age), visualize the physical and mental feebleness that can come with extreme age. When you say 'su'il-kibar' (the evil of old age), ponder the broader implications – not just physical decline, but also becoming a burden, losing one's dignity, memory, or the ability to contribute positively. Ask Allah with certainty that He protects you and your loved ones from these hardships, allowing you to maintain your faculties, your ability to worship, and to remain a source of wisdom and guidance for your community until your last breath.
Virtues & Benefits
By seeking refuge from 'haram' (decrepit old age) and 'su'il-kibar' (the evil of old age), you are essentially asking Allah to preserve your mental sharpness, physical capability, and spiritual vitality even in your golden years. This dua is a powerful shield against senility, extreme physical weakness, and becoming dependent on others in a way that diminishes your dignity or ability to serve Allah. Its benefit extends to enabling you to remain an active, contributing member of the Ummah, capable of offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and continuing to fulfill your religious duties and social roles. It is a prayer for a blessed, active, and dignified old age, one where you can continue to be a source of goodness and wisdom for those around you, living a life of purpose until your appointed time.
Source & Authentication
عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ وَفِتْنَةِ الدَّجَّالِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ " Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ﷺ used to say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from laziness, decrepit old age (haram), cowardice, miserliness, the evil of old age (su' al-kibar), the trial of Dajjal, and the torment of the grave." — Sahih Muslim 2707