Dua & Sunnah

The Prophet's ﷺ Dua for Protection from Despair and Lethargy

Prophetic Duas
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 6369

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

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.

Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal

When to Read

This powerful dua is perfect to recite in the morning and evening. It's especially beneficial when you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, when burdens seem too heavy, or when you notice a lack of motivation creeping in. Making it a habit after Fajr and Asr prayers, as the Prophet ﷺ often did, can provide a consistent shield against these negative states.

How to Read

Recite this dua with sincerity and a present heart. Understand the meaning of each phrase you utter. Raise your hands slightly as you make the supplication, especially when saying it privately. Focus on the feeling of vulnerability and reliance on Allah as you seek His protection.

Virtues & Benefits

This supplication directly addresses two debilitating states: despair (distress and sorrow) and lethargy (weakness and laziness). By seeking refuge in Allah from these, we acknowledge that true strength and motivation come from Him alone. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself sought refuge in Allah from these very things, indicating their seriousness and the importance of actively guarding against them. This dua also encompasses seeking protection from financial hardship (burden of debt) and social pressures (overpowering of men), highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Prophet's ﷺ concern for his Ummah's well-being, both spiritual and worldly.

Source & Authentication

Narrated Anas: The Prophet ﷺ used to say, "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369)
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 6369
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