اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّيْٓ اَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَسُوْءِ الْعُمُرِ وَفِتْنَةِ الصَّدْرِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from stinginess, cowardice, the worst of old age, the trials of the chest, and the punishment of the grave.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-bukhl wal-juhni wa su'il-'umri wa fitnat-is-sadri wa 'adhab-il-qabri
When to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often recite. It's a beautiful prayer to integrate into your daily duas, perhaps after your obligatory prayers, or at any time you feel the need to seek Allah's protection from these specific negative traits and afflictions. It's particularly beneficial to recite when reflecting on your spiritual state and striving for self-improvement.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as you would for other supplications. Imagine the negative traits mentioned – stinginess (with your wealth, knowledge, time, or kindness) and cowardice (in standing up for truth, facing challenges, or speaking justice) – and actively seek Allah's help to purify yourself from them. The inclusion of seeking refuge from the worst of old age, chest trials, and grave punishment highlights the comprehensive nature of this prayer. Focus on the meaning and let your heart connect with the plea to your Lord.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers profound spiritual and psychological benefits by directly seeking Allah's refuge from deeply ingrained negative characteristics and severe afflictions. * **Combating Stinginess:** Stinginess (Bukhul) is a trait that can hinder a believer's progress, preventing them from spending in good causes, helping others, or even sharing knowledge. Seeking refuge from it helps foster generosity and a giving spirit. * **Overcoming Cowardice:** Cowardice (Jubn) can prevent one from fulfilling their duties, speaking truth to power, or facing life's trials with patience. This dua helps strengthen one's resolve and reliance on Allah. * **Seeking Protection from Life's Hardships:** The plea against the 'worst of old age' (su'il-'umri) and 'trials of the chest' (fitnat-is-sadri) – which can encompass anxieties, doubts, and moral temptations – shows a holistic approach to seeking well-being. * **Protection in the Hereafter:** Seeking refuge from the 'punishment of the grave' ('adhab-il-qabri) demonstrates the importance of preparing for the afterlife and seeking Allah's mercy in all stages of existence. By regularly making this dua, we are actively engaging in self-purification and seeking divine assistance to cultivate better character and face life's challenges with faith and courage.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Sa'id bin Abi Burda: My father narrated to me, from Sa'id bin Al-As, from the Prophet ﷺ who said: 'The Prophet ﷺ used to teach them this supplication as he used to teach them a Surah of the Qur'an: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-Juhni wa a'udhu bika minal-Bukhli wa a'udhu bika an uradd ila ardhali al-'umur wa a'udhu bika min fitnat-id-dunya wa 'adhab-il-qabr.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from cowardice, I seek refuge in You from stinginess, I seek refuge in You from being returned to the worst old age, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of this world and the punishment of the grave.)' *Another version narrated by Sa'id bin Abi Burda from his father, from the Prophet ﷺ adds: 'and from the trials of the chest.'*