اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wal-'ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.
When to Read
When you're caught in the grip of uncertainty, wrestling with a major life decision – whether it's about a career path, a significant relationship, or a personal challenge – it’s natural for sadness, worry, and helplessness to creep in. This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, is a shield against these feelings. Recite it whenever you feel the weight of a difficult choice pressing down on you, when anxiety gnaws at your peace, or when you feel overwhelmed and unsure of the path forward. It's especially potent when made after prayer, in sujood, or during the last third of the night.
How to Read
Making dua is a conversation with Allah, so approach it with sincerity and humility. While this dua can be recited at any time and in any posture, focusing your heart is key. You might raise your hands as is the Sunnah, acknowledging your dependence on Allah. Reflect on each phrase as you say it: - **"O Allah, I seek refuge in You..."** — This is an admission of your vulnerability and a declaration of trust in Allah's power. - **"...from anxiety and sorrow..."** — Acknowledging the emotional burden you carry due to the difficult choice. - **"...weakness and laziness..."** — Seeking strength to act and overcome any hesitation or inability. - **"...cowardice and miserliness..."** — Asking for courage and generosity in your decisions. - **"...the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men."** — These parts, though seemingly specific, can be understood metaphorically as any burden or external pressure that hinders clear decision-making. Recite it clearly, perhaps even repeating it a few times, allowing its meaning to penetrate your heart. Follow it with personal supplications for guidance and ease regarding your specific choice.
Virtues & Benefits
The profound benefit of this dua lies in its comprehensive appeal for divine protection from all forms of mental, emotional, and physical weakness that can plague us when facing a difficult choice. By reciting it, you: 1. **Find solace from sadness and anxiety:** The Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek refuge from *hamm* (worry, anxiety, concern for the future) and *hazan* (grief, sorrow over the past or present). When making tough choices, both can be paralyzing. This dua directly addresses them. 2. **Overcome helplessness and inertia:** Seeking refuge from *'ajz* (incapacity, weakness) and *kasal* (laziness, procrastination) empowers you to take action rather than remain stuck in indecision. 3. **Gain courage and generosity:** Protection from *jubn* (cowardice) instills bravery to make the right choice, even if it's difficult, and from *bukhl* (miserliness) encourages generosity in spirit and action. 4. **Alleviate overwhelming pressures:** While the latter part of the dua refers to physical debts and being overpowered by people, it broadly covers any external pressures or burdens that cloud judgment and prevent clear, guided decision-making. By regularly making this dua, you cultivate a deep sense of reliance on Allah, transferring your burdens to Him and seeking His strength, wisdom, and protection, which are essential for navigating life's complex junctions with peace and certainty.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from being heavily in debt and being overpowered by men." — Sahih al-Bukhari 6369