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, 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 overcome by debt and subjugated 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 qahrir-rijali.
When to Read
This profound supplication is particularly relevant when you feel a deep sadness or distress, especially if it stems from witnessing or experiencing the suppression of truth. It's a prayer for solace when the weight of injustice or untruth feels overwhelming, and you feel powerless. Recite it in moments of personal hardship, when you see wrong prevailing, or when your own efforts to speak or uphold truth are met with resistance.
How to Read
This dua should be recited with sincerity and a humble heart, seeking Allah's protection and relief. Raise your hands in supplication as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Reflect on each phrase, truly internalizing the plea for refuge from these specific ailments of the heart and mind. It's best recited after your obligatory prayers, or at any time you feel the burden of sadness or the sting of truth being stifled.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection against a range of debilitating emotional and psychological states. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge His power over all matters and entrust our well-being to Him. Specifically, seeking refuge from 'distress and sorrow' (al-hamm wal-hazan) directly addresses the feeling of sadness and grief. In the context of truth being stifled, this sadness can be profound. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua as a means to find inner peace and strength when external circumstances are trying. It helps to dispel feelings of helplessness and despair, replacing them with reliance on Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from these four things, saying: '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 qahrir-rijali.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3110). The companion Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that he often supplicated with these words. When asked about it, he said: 'Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to seek refuge with these words.'