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 being overwhelmed by debt and overcome 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-rijal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited before sleeping. It's a comprehensive plea for protection against various inner struggles and external pressures, including the mental burdens that can lead to distress and sorrow. By seeking refuge in Allah before sleep, we entrust our state to Him, hoping for His protection and acceptance of our efforts to repent and turn back to Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt understanding of its meaning. Raise your hands slightly, as you would during other supplications, and focus on seeking Allah's protection. It's best recited after your regular evening duas for protection and sleep, as a final act of reliance on Allah before resting.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companions, covers a wide range of afflictions. By seeking refuge from distress (hamm) and sorrow (hazan), we are asking Allah to protect our hearts and minds from overwhelming sadness and anxiety. This is particularly relevant when seeking repentance, as past mistakes can weigh heavily on the soul. The dua also seeks protection from weakness (ajz) and laziness (kasal), enabling us to actively work on improving ourselves and remaining steadfast in our faith. Seeking refuge from cowardice (jubn) and stinginess (buhl) helps us develop courage in upholding truth and generosity in giving. Finally, asking for protection from the burden of debt (ghalabatid-dayn) and the oppression of men (qahrir-rijal) safeguards us from severe financial hardship and the injustice of others. Reciting this before sleep is a way of cleansing our spiritual slate and entering a state of peace, hoping for Allah's forgiveness and acceptance.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from being overcome by debt and overcome by men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1104)