اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from the heavy burden of debt and from being overcome by men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant during times of widespread distress, such as a pandemic, where feelings of sadness, helplessness, and fear can become overwhelming. Recite it whenever you feel these emotions creeping in. It's an excellent addition to your daily remembrance (dhikr), especially after your obligatory prayers (Salat). You can also turn to it specifically when facing challenges that seem beyond your control.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and a sincere heart. Raise your hands in supplication as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly asking Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) for His protection and assistance. Believe that He hears your plea and has the power to alleviate your distress. It's best recited in Arabic, but if you struggle with pronunciation, focus on the meaning and ask Allah with your own words in your language, seeking refuge from these afflictions.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates comprehensive protection from a range of emotional, psychological, and even practical burdens. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge His absolute power and our dependence on Him. The Prophet ﷺ himself used to seek refuge in Allah from these specific afflictions, teaching us the most effective way to combat them. During a pandemic, acknowledging our helplessness against external forces and turning to the Almighty for strength and peace is a source of immense comfort and resilience. It helps us to reframe our perspective, remembering that Allah is in control and that hardship is temporary.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from the overwhelming of debt and subjugation by men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369). This hadith is often found within the Book of Supplications (Kitab al-Da'awat) in Sahih al-Bukhari. The context is the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ teaching and personal practice of seeking divine protection against various forms of hardship, both internal and external.