اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ، سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي.
O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant. My forelock is in Your hand. Your command over me is ever effective. Your decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every name that You have called Yourself, or that You have taught to anyone from Your creation, or that You have sent down in Your Book, or that You have retained in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur'an the springtime of my heart, and the light of my chest, and a banisher of my sadness and a reliever of my anxiety.
Allahumma inni 'abdika, ibn 'abdika, ibn amatik, nasiyati biyadika, madin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qada'uka, as'aluka bikulli ismin huwa lak, sammayta bihi nafsaka, aw 'allamtahu ahadan min khalqika, aw anzaltahu fi kitadika, aw ista'tharta bihi fi 'ilm al-ghaybi 'indaka, an taj'ala al-Qur'ana rabi'a qalbi, wa nura sadri, wa jila'a huzni, wa dhahaba hammi.
When to Read
Recite this dua specifically before you have to speak in public, whether it's a formal presentation, a speech, or even addressing a group. It's particularly helpful when you feel that wave of anxiety rising. You can also make it a regular practice to recite it in the morning, asking Allah to make the Qur'an a source of peace and clarity throughout your day, which indirectly helps with facing challenges like public speaking.
How to Read
Make sure you are in a state of wudu if possible. Face the Qiblah, raise your hands (if appropriate for the situation, otherwise keep them lowered respectfully), and recite with sincerity and conviction. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly internalizing your reliance on Allah. Believe that He is the one who grants ease and removes difficulty. Repeat it as many times as needed until you feel a sense of calm and trust settling in your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, directly addresses anxiety ('hammi') and sadness ('huzni') by seeking refuge in the guidance and light of the Qur'an. By making the Qur'an the 'springtime of the heart,' you ask Allah to make it a source of life, growth, and renewal, dispelling the dryness and fear associated with public speaking. It reinforces the believer's absolute reliance on Allah's will and knowledge, acknowledging His sovereignty over all matters. This fosters a deep sense of trust ('tawakkul') in Allah's plan, reminding us that He is the ultimate source of strength and peace.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah with these words when he felt distressed. (Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Al-Hakim, who authenticated it and Muslim agreed). It is related that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was in a difficult situation, he would say: Allahumma inni 'abdika, ibn 'abdika, ibn amatik, nasiyati biyadika, madin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qada'uka, as'aluka bikulli ismin huwa lak, sammayta bihi nafsaka, aw 'allamtahu ahadan min khalqika, aw anzaltahu fi kitadika, aw ista'tharta bihi fi 'ilm al-ghaybi 'indaka, an taj'ala al-Qur'ana rabi'a qalbi, wa nura sadri, wa jila'a huzni, wa dhahaba hammi. (O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant. My forelock is in Your hand. Your command over me is ever effective. Your decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every name that You have called Yourself, or that You have taught to anyone from Your creation, or that You have sent down in Your Book, or that You have retained in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur'an the springtime of my heart, and the light of my chest, and a banisher of my sadness and a reliever of my anxiety.)