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 anxiety and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from weakness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and from being overpowered 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
We've all faced moments when financial worries weigh heavily, sometimes even impacting our spouse. This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a companion overwhelmed by debt, is primarily for the one experiencing the financial strain to recite themselves. The Prophet ﷺ specifically advised Abu Umamah, burdened by worries and debts, to say it daily. So, if your spouse is struggling, the most direct path is to encourage them to adopt this dua as a regular practice, especially **in the morning and evening**. Imagine the peace of mind knowing they are directly turning to Allah with these prophetic words. You, as their partner, can also make heartfelt, general supplications for them in your own words, asking Allah to lift their burdens and ease their path, echoing the sentiments of this powerful prayer. Your support, both in encouraging their connection with Allah and making dua for them, is invaluable.
How to Read
When you or your spouse recite this dua, remember a few key things to maximize its impact: 1. **Sincerity and Certainty (Yaqeen):** Approach Allah with absolute conviction that He alone is the Sustainer and the One who can remove all hardships. This isn't just words; it's a profound act of trust. 2. **Consistency (Muwadabah):** The Prophet ﷺ instructed Abu Umamah to say it 'in the morning and evening.' Make it a consistent part of your daily remembrance (dhikr). Just as worries can build up, so too can the blessings of consistent dua. 3. **Reflect on the Meanings:** Don't just parrot the words. Ponder the refuge you seek: from paralyzing anxiety, from disabling laziness, from crippling debt. Let these meanings penetrate your heart and mind, reaffirming your dependence on Allah. 4. **Effort (Sabab):** While dua is our strongest tool, it doesn't replace effort. Encourage your spouse (and yourself) to combine this prayer with practical steps: budgeting, seeking counsel, working diligently, and being patient. Allah rewards those who strive. 5. **For a Spouse:** If you're praying for your spouse, you can raise your hands and make specific dua using your own words, asking Allah to grant *them* relief from the anxieties, debts, and other difficulties mentioned in this powerful supplication. Lead by example, and perhaps even recite it together when appropriate.
Virtues & Benefits
The beautiful story of Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) is the most compelling testament to this dua's power. The Prophet ﷺ promised him that reciting it would lead to Allah **removing his worries and settling his debts** — and that is precisely what happened! This isn't just a hopeful prayer; it's a proven path to relief. - **Direct Answer to Debt:** This dua specifically targets relief from *ghalabatid-dayn* (the burden of debt), making it a direct appeal for financial liberation. - **Holistic Emotional Support:** It addresses the emotional and psychological toll of hardship, seeking refuge from *hamm* (anxiety/worry) and *hazani* (sorrow/grief), which often accompany financial struggles. - **Empowerment Against Weakness:** By seeking refuge from *'ajzi* (weakness) and *kasali* (laziness), it helps us overcome internal barriers that prevent us from taking necessary action. - **Protection from Human Oppression:** *Qahrir-rijal* (being overpowered by men) encompasses everything from creditors' demands to feelings of being exploited or helpless before others. This dua seeks Allah's protection from such situations. - **Prophetic Guidance:** Reciting this dua means following the direct, practical advice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, securing immense reward and Barakah (blessing) in your efforts and your life.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered the mosque and saw a man from the Ansar called Abu Umamah. He said, "O Abu Umamah, why do I see you sitting in the mosque when it is not the time for prayer?" He replied, "Worries and debts, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Shall I not teach you words which, if you say them, Allah will remove your worries and settle your debts?" He said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Say in the morning and evening: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from weakness and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and from being overpowered by men.'" Abu Umamah said, "So I did that, and Allah removed my worries and settled my debts."