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 helplessness 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 a vital shield for any Muslim, especially when feeling overwhelmed by a sense of inertia or when observing a collective struggle with laziness and procrastination within the Ummah. Recite it during your daily prayers, after the obligatory prayers, or at any moment you feel the need for divine strength to overcome lethargy and to be more productive for the sake of Allah.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible. Utter the words with sincerity and a firm belief in Allah's power to grant you strength and overcome any weakness. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you recite it, internalizing the plea for protection against these debilitating traits. It's best recited with a sincere heart, recognizing that true strength comes only from Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses four pairs of spiritual and practical ailments: distress and sorrow (hamm and huzn), helplessness and laziness (ajz and kasal), cowardice and stinginess (jubn and bukhl), and the burden of debt and the oppression of men (ghalabatud-dayn wa qahrur-rijal). By seeking refuge in Allah from laziness (kasal), we are actively asking for the spiritual and physical energy needed to fulfill our duties to Allah, ourselves, and our communities. Overcoming personal laziness paves the way for contributing positively to the Ummah's progress and well-being.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate to Allah, saying: "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." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369). This supplication was a regular practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him), highlighting its importance in seeking protection from detrimental states that can hinder one's progress in this life and the Hereafter.