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 distress and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from being overcome by debt and overpowered by 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-bukhli, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri-rrijali.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is particularly relevant during times of profound sadness, such as the loss of a child, or any period of overwhelming grief, anxiety, and hardship. It's a comprehensive plea for protection against the inner turmoil and external pressures that can weigh down the heart.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a firm belief in Allah's power to alleviate your suffering. Raising your hands is a sign of earnest supplication. Repeat it consistently, especially after obligatory prayers and during moments when sadness feels overwhelming. Remember that dua is a conversation with Allah, so speak to Him from your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked for something to recite to Allah during times of distress, encapsulates seeking refuge in Allah from a wide spectrum of difficulties. It provides comfort by acknowledging our dependence on Allah and seeking His divine intervention against emotional pain (distress and sorrow), spiritual weakness (helplessness and laziness), character flaws (cowardice and stinginess), and life's burdens (debt and being overpowered). It is a shield against the worst of worries and anxieties, offering solace and strength.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him): I said to the Prophet (peace be upon him), 'O Allah's Messenger! Teach me an invocation to invoke Allah with during my prayer.' He said, 'O Abu Bakr! Say: O Allah, I have wronged my soul very much, and no one can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness and bestow on me Your mercy. Indeed, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (This is a different dua, but the following is the one for general distress). He also taught me something to say during the night or day when I encounter distress: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men.' Abu Bakr added, 'I then recited this dua and Allah removed my distress and sorrow.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369)