اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرْكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the turning away of Your blessings, the changing of Your protection, the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that You are displeased with. I seek refuge in You from the hardship of tribulation, the attainment of wretchedness, the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies. And I seek refuge in You from all of these.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa fuja'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik, wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala', wa darkish-shaqa', wa sui'il-qada', wa shamatatil-a'da', wa a'udhu bika minha jami'an.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua for seeking Allah's protection against various adversities, including those that can lead to or stem from overthinking, such as the hardship of trials, ill fate, and the distress caused by enemies (which can include the internal enemy of excessive worry). It's beneficial to recite this dua regularly, especially in the morning and evening, and at times when you feel overwhelmed or susceptible to negative thought patterns.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us for seeking refuge. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that you are placing your trust in Allah to protect you from these significant harms. It's recommended to recite it after every obligatory prayer as well, as the Prophet ﷺ encouraged seeking refuge in Allah after salah.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encompasses seeking refuge from the loss of blessings, the reversal of well-being, sudden divine retribution, and Allah's displeasure – all potential stressors that can fuel overthinking and anxiety. More directly relevant to mental anguish, it seeks protection from 'jahd al-bala' (the hardship of tribulation) and 'dark ash-shaqa' (the attainment of wretchedness/misery), which are states that overthinking can exacerbate or lead to. By asking Allah to shield us from the 'evil of fate' and the 'rejoicing of enemies' (which can be external or internal), we are asking for a holistic protection that calms the mind and heart. Reciting this can bring immense peace and reduce the mental burden of worry and excessive rumination.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge in Allah in the following words: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the turning away of Your blessings, and the changing of Your protection, and the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that You are displeased with. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of tribulation, and the attainment of wretchedness, and the evil of fate, and the rejoicing of enemies. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from it [all of these].' (Sahih Muslim 2708)