اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity 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 subjection 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 is a comprehensive dua that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would recite regularly, particularly after the Fajr prayer, as it encompasses seeking protection from many negative states that can hinder our well-being and our ability to strive. Recite it when you feel lethargy creeping in, when the motivation to work for your sustenance wanes, or when you simply wish to seek Allah's protection against these debilitating traits.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, and recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly asking Allah to shield you from these weaknesses. The Prophet ﷺ often recited his duas three times, so consider doing so as well for emphasis. Ensure you are in a state of purity.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses seeking refuge from laziness ('kasal'), a key obstacle to earning one's provision. By reciting it, we are actively invoking Allah's help to overcome this impediment. The Prophet's ﷺ seeking refuge from 'incapacity' ('ajz') further highlights the importance of being actively able to work. It also seeks protection from debt and the oppression of others, which are often consequences of not being able to adequately provide for oneself. Regularly seeking Allah's protection against these factors strengthens our resolve and reliance on Him.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to teach his companions to say: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity 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 subjection of men." When the burden of debt weighed heavily upon him, he would say this a lot. He was asked: 'O Messenger of Allah, why do you so often seek refuge in Allah from these four things?' He said: 'Indeed, when a person is afflicted with incapacity, he cannot do good, and when he is afflicted with laziness, he does not fulfill the right (of Allah or people), and when he is afflicted with cowardice, he is the first to fail when tested, and when he is afflicted with old age, he is of little use, and when he is afflicted with debt, he is perplexed and speaks falsely and promises what he cannot fulfill.' Sahih al-Bukhari 6369