اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَمٍّ وَحَزَنٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَجْزٍ وَكَسَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جُبْنٍ وَبُخْلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt and from being overcome by men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-hammi wal-huzni, wa a'udhu bika min al-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
Recite this dua when you feel overwhelmed by sadness due to being mocked, ridiculed, or facing any form of social distress. It's particularly relevant when feeling powerless or that others have overcome you, which can be a source of deep sorrow.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with full conviction in Allah's power to protect and aid you. Raise your hands slightly in supplication as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did. Understand the meaning of each phrase and focus on seeking refuge specifically in Allah from these afflictions. Repeat it regularly during times of distress.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua shields you from multiple emotional and practical burdens. Seeking refuge from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hammi wal-huzni) directly addresses the feelings that arise from mockery. The latter parts protect against helplessness ('incapacity and laziness'), fear ('cowardice'), and the feeling of being unjustly treated or dominated ('overwhelmed by debt and from being overcome by men'), which are common experiences when facing ridicule.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from these evils. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to invoke Allah often with these supplications: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the passing away of Your favor, and from the sudden retribution for Your wrath, and from Your evil decree, and from the evil of Satan the enemy, and from the evil of the Day of the Resurrection.' (This hadith refers to a broader set of supplications, but the specific one about distress and sorrow is famously part of his regular supplications). Another relevant narration states: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-hammi wal-huzni, wa a'udhu bika min al-'ajzi wal-kasali, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.'