اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, 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 being overcome by debt and the force 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 dua is perfect for moments when you feel overwhelmed by worries, tasks, or decisions. Whether you're facing a daunting challenge, struggling with procrastination, or feeling a lack of confidence, this is the supplication to turn to. It's particularly relevant when dealing with situations that bring about anxiety, sadness, indecisiveness, or even fear of others' opinions or financial burdens.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction, raising your hands as you would in other supplications. The Prophet ﷺ himself would often recite this dua. Focus on the meaning of each phrase as you utter it, visualizing yourself being freed from these afflictions by Allah's grace. Repeat it consistently, especially during times of need or as part of your daily remembrance (dhikr).
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua shields us from a range of debilitating inner states and external pressures. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge His power to remove anxiety and sadness, enabling peace of mind. It helps combat laziness and a sense of incapability, fostering motivation and a can-do spirit. It also protects against fear and miserliness, encouraging bravery and generosity. Finally, it guards against the crushing weight of debt and the oppression of others, which can severely impact one's freedom and well-being. As stated in another hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (2893), the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Whoever says it (meaning the aforementioned dua for distress) and then says: "O Allah, I ask for Your forgiveness and safety in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for Your forgiveness and safety in my religion and my worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and set me at ease, and protect me from what is in front of me and behind me, from my left and from my right, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your greatness lest I be swallowed up from beneath me."' - so the dua can be expanded upon with further supplications for safety and protection.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke Allah during the night saying: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and all that they overshadow, Lord of the earths and all that they carry on them, Lord of the devils and all that they lead astray, Lord of the winds and all that they scatter! I ask You for the good of this night and the good of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and the evil of what is in it. I ask You for the good of the wind and the good of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the wind and the evil of what is in it.' Then he would turn his right side (to his pillow) and sleep. Narrated Anas: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke Allah very often saying: 'O Allah, give us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.' (This is a different dua, but illustrates the Prophet's ﷺ comprehensive supplications for well-being.) In another narration, Sahih al-Bukhari 6369: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said: 'I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ invoking (Allah) saying: 'O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the lack of subsistence, and the torments of the Fire, and the evil of the great catastrophe on the Day of Resurrection, and the evil of the decree (Qadar), and the evil of the enemy’s rejoicing over one's misfortune, and the evil of one's own speech.' (This hadith, 6369, includes other elements, but the core portion regarding Ham and Hizan, 'Ajz and Kasal, Jubn and Bukhl, and Ghalabat al-Dayn wa Qahr al-Rijal is consistently reported and essential.)