Dua & Sunnah

The Prophet's ﷺ Dua for Overcoming Laziness and Lethargy in Worship

Prophetic Duas
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 5409

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, from being overwhelmed by debt and overcome by men.

Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa dala'id-dya'ni wa ghalabatir-rijal.

When to Read

This powerful dua is perfect for reciting whenever you feel that familiar weight of laziness creeping in, especially when it comes to fulfilling your worship obligations. It’s particularly beneficial after the obligatory prayers, when you can focus and reflect, or even first thing in the morning to set a productive tone for the day. Think of it as a spiritual shield you raise against the whispers that tell you to delay, to rest just a little longer, or to skip that extra act of devotion.

How to Read

Recite this dua with sincerity and full awareness of its meaning. Picture yourself asking the One who has ultimate control over all matters to grant you strength and remove the obstacles that hinder your worship. Focus on each phrase as you utter it, truly seeking refuge from each specific ailment mentioned: anxiety, sorrow, weakness, laziness, cowardice, stinginess, the burden of debt, and being overpowered by others. Raising your hands slightly while making dua is also a beautiful practice, signifying your earnest supplication.

Virtues & Benefits

The most direct benefit is seeking Allah's protection from and aid against laziness and lethargy, which are significant barriers to a fulfilling spiritual life. By seeking refuge in Allah, you are acknowledging His power to remove these hindrances. The Prophet ﷺ himself taught this dua, indicating its profound importance. It not only tackles laziness in worship but also addresses related negative states like anxiety and sorrow, which often fuel lethargy. Overcoming these internal struggles allows for more focused and heartfelt devotion, bringing you closer to Allah.

Source & Authentication

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke Allah saying: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa dala'id-dya'ni wa ghalabatir-rijal.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, from being overwhelmed by debt and overcome by men.) [Sahih al-Bukhari 6306, also mentioned in 5409, 6047, 6640, 7387]
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 5409
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