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 miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the subduing 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 qahri ar-rijali.
When to Read
This powerful supplication can be recited at any time, but it's particularly poignant when we feel the weight of societal ills, or when we witness individuals within our community struggling with addiction or falling into vice. Make it a regular part of your morning and evening remembrance (dhikr) or offer it during times of personal reflection and prayer, especially in the last third of the night.
How to Read
Recite this du'a with sincere intention and a heart full of reliance on Allah. Raise your hands in supplication as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us. Imagine Allah (Glorified is He) hearing your plea and extending His mercy to the entire Ummah. Feel the 'a'udhu' (I seek refuge) as a shield, protecting you and all Muslims from these debilitating afflictions.
Virtues & Benefits
While this specific du'a focuses on protection from worldly worries and oppressive situations, its comprehensive nature makes it a shield against many forms of weakness that can lead to addiction and vice. By seeking refuge from 'incapacity and laziness' (al-'ajzi wal-kasali), we ask Allah to grant us the strength and motivation to resist temptations and pursue righteous paths. Freedom from 'cowardice and miserliness' (al-jubni wal-bukhli) equips us to stand firm against wrongdoing and to be generous in good deeds. Overcoming 'the overwhelming of debt and the subduing of men' (ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri ar-rijali) liberates the spirit, reducing the kinds of pressures and desperation that can push individuals towards destructive coping mechanisms. This du'a, therefore, helps build individual resilience and a stronger community fabric, less susceptible to the pull of sin and addiction. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often say this du'a when waking up.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say, '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 miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the subduing of men.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 4423)