اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، 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 burden of debt and the subjugation of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-harami, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
Recite this dua regularly, especially when you feel a lack of motivation for acts of worship, such as praying on time, reading the Quran, or remembering Allah. It's a powerful supplication to make when facing inertia or a spiritual slump.
How to Read
This dua is best recited after the obligatory prayers, as it's a common practice for the Prophet ﷺ to make supplications after salah. Raise your hands slightly (as you would for dua) and recite with sincerity, focusing on the meaning and your need for Allah's help. Ensure you pronounce the Arabic clearly and with conviction.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge from laziness (kasal) directly combats a major obstacle to consistent worship. By asking Allah for strength, we acknowledge our limitations and His omnipotence. This dua also encompasses seeking protection from helplessness ('ajz), cowardice (jubn), and the debilitating effects of old age (haram), all of which can impede our ability to serve Allah. Furthermore, it includes protection against overwhelming debt and being overcome by others, showing how comprehensive prophetic duas are for all aspects of life, enabling us to focus on our deen.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allah from these words: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-harami, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6367). This hadith is often found within chapters discussing supplications and seeking Allah's protection from undesirable states.