"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] had supplications that he never neglected. He used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi, wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-jubni, wad-daini, wa ghalabatar-rijal (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from worry, grief, incapacity, laziness, miserliness, cowardice, debt, and being overpowered by (other) men.)"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i 5450
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] had supplications that he never neglected. He used to say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi, wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-jubni, wad-daini, wa ghalabatar-rijal (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from worry, grief, incapacity, laziness, miserliness, cowardice, debt, and being overpowered by (other) men.)'"
Scholarly Commentary
This comprehensive supplication encompasses protection from eight major spiritual and worldly afflictions that hinder a believer's path to Allah.
Al-Hamm (worry) refers to anxiety about the future, while al-Hazani (grief) concerns sorrow over past events. Seeking refuge from both demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in addressing temporal dimensions of distress.
Al-'Ajz (incapacity) and al-Kasali (laziness) represent complementary deficiencies - the former being inability despite effort, the latter unwillingness to exert effort. Together they cover the spectrum of human inaction.
Al-Bukhli (miserliness) and al-Jubni (cowardice) are diseases of the heart that prevent charitable action and righteous courage respectively.
Ad-Daini (debt) is sought against due to its spiritual burden and potential for dishonesty, while Ghalabat-ar-Rijal (being overpowered by men) seeks protection from oppression and loss of autonomy in practicing faith.
Spiritual Benefits
The consistent recitation of this du'a, as practiced by the Prophet, develops comprehensive spiritual immunity against the most common obstacles in religious and worldly life.
Scholars note that seeking refuge from these eight matters covers protection for one's religion, mind, honor, and wealth - the four essential protected interests in Islamic law.