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 from the oppression of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-harami, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua can be recited at any time, but it's especially potent during the blessed month of Ramadan. Consider reciting it after your obligatory prayers, during the late-night hours of worship (Qiyam al-Layl), or in the moments before breaking your fast (Iftar). Ramadan is a time of spiritual exertion, and this supplication directly addresses the challenges of inertia that can hinder our worship and productivity.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, visualizing the strength and motivation you are asking Allah for. Raise your hands as you supplicate, a common etiquette for asking Allah. Understand the meaning deeply, acknowledging that true strength and the ability to overcome laziness come solely from Him. Repeat it consistently, especially during Ramadan, to internalize its message and seek continuous divine assistance.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge from laziness is a direct way to ensure we are maximizing the spiritual benefits of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this specific dua to combat this debilitating trait. By reciting it, we are actively seeking Allah's help to remain energetic in our prayers, Quran recitation, remembrance, and acts of charity, which are multiplied in reward during this month. Overcoming laziness allows us to fulfill our potential for worship and reap the immense blessings Ramadan offers, preventing regret at its close.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from these things with his voice, and his companions also used to seek refuge with him. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to say, 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-harami, wal-bukhli wal-qaswati wal-ghaflati wal-'illati wal-dhillati wal-miskinati, wa a'udhu bika min kufrin wa fahshaa'in, wa a'udhu bika min munkarin wa jawri, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhabin nar, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhabal-qabri.' (English translation is as provided in the main entry for the relevant part).