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 incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and the overpowering of 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-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly beneficial when experiencing symptoms of chest congestion, shortness of breath, or general feelings of being overwhelmed by physical discomfort. Recite it when you feel your breathing becoming difficult, or when distress and worry accompany the physical ailment.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and full conviction in Allah's power to relieve your suffering. It is best recited in a state of purity (wudu) and facing the Qiblah, though these are not strict conditions. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, focusing on the meaning of the words and seeking Allah's direct intervention. You can repeat it multiple times, especially during the times when supplications are readily accepted, like after prayers or in the last third of the night.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), offers refuge from a wide range of afflictions. While it explicitly mentions distress, sorrow, incapacity, laziness, cowardice, stinginess, debt, and being overpowered, its essence is seeking Allah's protection from all forms of hardship. Chest congestion and difficulty breathing can certainly lead to distress and a feeling of being incapacitated. By seeking refuge in Allah through this dua, we acknowledge His ultimate control over our well-being and trust in His mercy to alleviate our suffering and restore our health.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr: I said to the Prophet ﷺ, 'Teach me words that I can say in the morning and evening.' He said, 'O Abu Bakr, say: O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, Lord of everything and its Controller, I testify that there is no god but You, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of the devil and his associates.' And say: '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 the overpowering of debt and men.' Abu Bakr said, 'I learned them and started to say them. The narrator Abu 'Uthman said, 'O Abu Bakr, how have you been saying them since the night?' Abu Bakr said, 'I have been saying them every morning and evening.' - Sahih al-Bukhari 5484