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 grief and sadness. I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and from 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 ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This dua is perfect for when you feel overwhelmed by sadness, disappointment, or the weight of unfulfilled promises, whether they were made by others or yourself. It's particularly potent when these feelings are compounded by a sense of powerlessness ('helplessness') or a lack of motivation ('laziness'), or when facing difficult situations that feel beyond your control. Recite it during times of stress, after Fajr, or whenever you feel these emotions surfacing.
How to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication seeking Allah's protection from various distressing states. It's best to recite it with sincere intention and a hopeful heart, reflecting on each aspect of the plea. Imagine yourself being shielded by Allah's mercy from these specific troubles. Raising your hands while making dua is a Sunnah, especially when seeking refuge or protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), is a comprehensive shield against inner turmoil and external pressures. By seeking refuge in Allah from 'grief and sadness,' we acknowledge that true solace comes from Him alone. The plea against 'helplessness and laziness' helps combat apathy and inaction that can prolong difficult situations. Seeking protection from 'cowardice and stinginess' fortifies our character, enabling us to face challenges with courage and generosity. Finally, asking for refuge from 'the burden of debt and overpowering of men' addresses anxieties related to financial hardship and the potential for exploitation or unfair treatment by others. This dua encourages complete reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and acknowledges His ultimate power to alleviate our worries and protect us.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq that he said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): 'Teach me a supplication that I can recite in my prayer.' He said: 'Recite: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So grant me forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wala yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika warhamni, innaka antal-Ghafurur-Rahim). He also said: 'And teach me a supplication to say when going to bed.' He said: 'Say: O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You raise Your creatures.' (Allahumma qini 'adhabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibadak). Abu Bakr said: 'And teach me something to ask Allah for with it.' He said: 'Say: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness. I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess. I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt and the subjugation 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 ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal). Abu Bakr said: 'Say all of them.' (Recite them all).