اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of affliction, the attainment of misery, the evil of decree, and the rejoicing of enemies.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darakish-shaqa', wa su'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'daa'
When to Read
This profound supplication is particularly relevant during times of trial, hardship, or when facing difficult circumstances. It's a powerful prayer to recite when feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, seeking protection from the worst outcomes and the malicious joy of adversaries. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua as a comprehensive shield against various forms of distress, making it suitable for daily remembrance or in moments of intense need.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and deep conviction, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands in supplication, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Utter the words clearly, internalizing the plea for Allah's protection. It's recommended to say this four times, as indicated in some narrations for similar supplications seeking refuge, reinforcing the earnestness of the request.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers a comprehensive seeking of refuge from four critical evils: * **Jahd al-Bala' (جهد البلاء):** The hardship and intensity of trials. This isn't just any difficulty, but the kind that strains one's patience and endurance to its limit. * **Darak ash-Shaqa' (درك الشقاء):** The attainment of misery or extreme wretchedness. This refers to falling into a state of prolonged suffering and despair. * **Su' al-Qada' (سوء القضاء):** The evil of destiny or decree. While we accept Allah's decree, this seeks protection from decrees that lead to ruin or severe detriment. * **Shamatat al-A'daa' (شماتة الأعداء):** The rejoicing of enemies. This is a plea to be protected from falling into situations where one's enemies would take delight in one's downfall or suffering. Reciting this dua is a testament to our reliance on Allah and a proactive way to seek His protection against the most severe forms of worldly and spiritual suffering. The Prophet ﷺ's own reliance on such comprehensive duas highlights their importance in navigating life's inevitable challenges.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of affliction, the attainment of misery, the evil of decree, and the rejoicing of enemies.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6347).