اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief. I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wa a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabad-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is ideal to recite daily, especially in the morning after Fajr prayer, as a proactive measure against debilitating states. It's also particularly relevant when you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of unfinished tasks, the weight of past procrastination, or a general sense of unproductiveness. Reciting it upon realizing you've let time slip away can be a sincere turning point.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full sincerity and conviction, recognizing that true change comes from Allah. Raise your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us for supplication. Understand each phrase you utter: seeking refuge from grief and worry (which often stem from unfulfilled responsibilities), from helplessness and laziness (the direct causes of wasted time), and from fear and miserliness (which can prevent us from acting or investing time wisely). Say it with the intention to actively combat these negative traits in your own life.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication directly addresses the roots of wasted time: laziness ('kasal') and incapacity ('ajz'). By seeking Allah's refuge from these, we empower ourselves to be more diligent and effective. It also seeks protection from mental states like worry and grief, which can paralyze us and lead to further procrastination. This dua cultivates a proactive spirit and a reliance on Allah for strength and motivation to utilize our time productively for His sake.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to invoke: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the burden of debt and the overpowering of men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 7389)