اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الْعَدُوِّ، وَغَلَبَةِ الدَّهْوَرِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt, the overpowering of the enemy, and the overpowering of time/destruction.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni, wa ghalabatil-'aduwwi, wa ghalabatid-dahwari.
When to Read
This dua is specifically recommended to be recited before sleeping. It's a powerful supplication to seek Allah's protection against various forms of overwhelming hardship as you enter a state of vulnerability during rest.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction. Imagine the potential struggles of debt, enmity, and the passage of time, and place your trust in Allah's ability to shield you. Raising your hands slightly while making dua is part of the Sunnah when seeking refuge, though not strictly required for this specific utterance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers comprehensive protection. By seeking refuge from 'ghalabat al-dayn' (overpowering debt), we ask Allah to prevent us from falling into financial ruin or being burdened by unbearable debt. 'Ghalabat al-'aduww' (overpowering the enemy) is a plea for safety from any who might wish us harm, whether it's an individual, a group, or even an oppressive system. 'Ghalabat ad-dahri' (overpowering time/destruction) is a profound request for protection against the vicissitudes of fate, calamities, and the destructive forces that time can bring. It's a reminder that true security comes only from Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Salama: 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) told me that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to invoke Allah while praying at night, saying: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and of the great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things, Who splits the grain seed and the date-palm seed, Who revealed the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran, I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything You have seized by its forelock. O Allah, You are the First, and there is nothing before You; and You are the Last, and there is nothing after You; and You are the Apparent, and there is nothing above You; and You are the Hidden, and there is nothing nearer to You than You. Remove the burden of debt from us and spare us from poverty.' Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) added that she asked him to pray for her and he said: 'O Allah, forgive 'Aisha her past and future sins.' Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed for her and mentioned: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the overpowering of debt, and the overpowering of the enemy, and the overpowering of destruction, and the evil of the Dajjal.'