اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَقَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَنَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَدُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the demolition of Your blessings, the reversal of Your protection, the suddenness of Your punishment, and all that You are displeased with. I seek refuge in You from the hardships of trials, the attainment of misery, the evil of decree, and the rejoicing of enemies. I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, a heart that is not humbled, a soul that is not satisfied, and a supplication that is not heard.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min zawali ni'matik, wa tahawwuli 'afiyatik, wa faja'ati niqmatik, wa jami'i sakhatik, wa a'udhu bika min jahdil-bala'i, wa darakish-shaqa'i, wa su'il-qada'i, wa shamatatil-a'da'i, wa a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa qalbin la yakhsha', wa nafsil-la tashba', wa du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited regularly, especially in the morning and evening. Specifically, it's a powerful supplication to invoke when one feels vulnerable or contemplates the uncertainties of life, including the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany old age. It's part of the Prophet's ﷺ daily protection routine, so making it a habit is a profound way to seek Allah's continuous care.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, remembering that Allah (SWT) is the ultimate protector. Face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands slightly, and focus on the meaning of each phrase. Believe that Allah will answer your supplication and protect you from what you seek refuge from. It's recommended to say it with awareness, understanding that old age is a natural part of life, and seeking Allah's ease and protection through it is a sign of reliance (tawakkul).
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking refuge from a wide array of evils and hardships. By reciting it, we are asking Allah (SWT) to preserve His favors upon us, maintain His well-being, protect us from sudden calamities and His displeasure. It specifically asks for protection from the severest trials and misery, and the rejoicing of our enemies, which can be exacerbated in old age. Furthermore, it seeks protection from the spiritual ailments of unbeneficial knowledge, hardened hearts, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers, all of which can afflict anyone, but perhaps more keenly felt when reflecting on life's journey. This supplication is a comprehensive shield against the difficulties of this world and the hereafter, fostering a sense of peace and trust in Allah's plan.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge in Allah from the hardship of affliction, the reaching of misery, the evil of decree, and the rejoicing of enemies. (Sahih Muslim 2706). The version used above includes additional phrases that are also narrated in other authentic traditions concerning seeking refuge in Allah, such as protection from the demolition of blessings and the reversal of well-being, which are relevant to the anxieties of aging.