The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-harami, 'adhabil-qabr wa fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, and miserliness and old age, and the torment of the grave, and the trials of life and death.)"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5448
Arabic Text & Translation
"Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-harami, 'adhabil-qabr wa fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat"
"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, and miserliness and old age, and the torment of the grave, and the trials of life and death."
Scholarly Commentary
This comprehensive supplication encompasses protection from spiritual, physical, and eschatological harms. The Prophet (ﷺ) sought refuge from 'ajz (incapacity) which prevents one from performing good deeds, and kasal (laziness) which causes negligence in worship.
Bukhl (miserliness) corrupts the soul and prevents charity, while haram (old age) brings weakness that may lead to neglecting obligations. The torment of the grave is sought against, as it is the first stage of the Hereafter.
Finally, protection is sought from fitnat al-mahya (trials of life) such as wealth, family, and worldly distractions, and fitnat al-mamat (trials of death) including improper ending of deeds and weak faith at life's conclusion.
Spiritual Benefits
This prayer teaches comprehensive spiritual protection, covering all stages of human existence. It acknowledges human weaknesses while affirming complete dependence on Allah's protection.
The systematic arrangement moves from internal spiritual defects to external life challenges, culminating in the ultimate trials of death and the grave, demonstrating the Prophet's profound understanding of human spiritual needs.