اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَجْزٍ وَكَسَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جُبْنٍ وَهَرَمٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and old age, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the overpowering of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-harami, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri ar-rijal.
When to Read
This dua is a profound supplication that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used to recite regularly. It's particularly beneficial to recite it for our parents, or for ourselves if we see a tendency towards laziness, lethargy, or a lack of drive. Reciting it after every obligatory prayer is a Sunnah, ensuring consistent seeking of Allah's protection and help. It's also fitting to make this dua for parents when observing them struggling with motivation or feeling stuck.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincere intention and full conviction in Allah's ability to change circumstances. Raise your hands in supplication as taught by the Prophet ﷺ. Visualize your parents (or yourself) actively and productively engaged in beneficial deeds. Understand that seeking refuge in Allah is the most potent way to ward off negative states like laziness and helplessness.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge from 'kasal' (laziness) is crucial because it hinders our ability to perform acts of worship, fulfill our responsibilities, and strive for betterment in this life and the next. Laziness can lead to missed opportunities and regret. This dua also protects against 'ajz' (helplessness), ensuring we have the spiritual and mental fortitude to face challenges. By seeking Allah's protection, we can foster a spirit of action, productivity, and resilience in ourselves and our loved ones, including our parents.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from four things, saying: Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-harami, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri ar-rijal. (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and old age, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the overpowering of men). He also said: When one of you finishes his prayer, he should say these words, then he should not repeat them.