اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَرَمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الضَّيْعَةِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَزِيمَةِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ حُزْنِ الْفُؤَادِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ سُوءِ الْعُمُرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الدَّجَّالِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the passing away of Your blessings, the change of Your protection, the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that displeases You. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from decrepitude (old age), and I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed (by troubles), and I seek refuge in You from defeat, and I seek refuge in You from the grief of the heart, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice, and I seek refuge in You from stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from an evil old age, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faj'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal haram, wa a'udhu bika minad dayya'ah, wa a'udhu bika minal hazeemah, wa a'udhu bika min huzni al-fu'ad, wa a'udhu bika minal jubn, wa a'udhu bika minal bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min sui'l 'umur, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatin-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhab il-qabr.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, but it's particularly poignant to remember the plea for protection against the ailments and challenges of old age as we, or our loved ones, approach it. It’s a powerful supplication to say daily, especially after the obligatory prayers, to seek Allah’s encompassing protection.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, raising your hands as you would for other supplications. It's best to recite it after finishing your prayers, as this is a time when supplications are often accepted. Reflect on the meanings of each phrase, truly feeling the need for Allah's protection against these trials.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is incredibly comprehensive, seeking refuge from a wide array of hardships. Specifically, the mention of seeking refuge from 'decrepitude' (الهَرَم - al-haram) and 'an evil old age' (سُوءِ الْعُمُرِ - sui'l 'umur) directly addresses the concern for maintaining mental clarity, physical well-being, and dignity in one's later years. It encompasses protection against mental decline, loss of faculties, and the associated distress. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, despite being the most righteous, would constantly seek Allah's refuge, teaching us the importance of humility and reliance on our Creator for all aspects of life, including our health and mental state as we age.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the passing away of Your blessings, the change of Your protection, the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that displeases You. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from decrepitude, and I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed, and I seek refuge in You from defeat, and I seek refuge in You from the grief of the heart, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice, and I seek refuge in You from stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from an evil old age, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Dajjal, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave.' [Sahih Muslim 2710]