How many times should I recite this dua?

There is no fixed number, but reciting 3, 7, or 11 times is common. Recite with sincerity and understanding of the meaning.

Can I recite this dua in English?

Yes, Allah understands all languages. However, learning the Arabic is recommended as these exact words were taught by Prophet Muhammad and carry special blessing.

Emotional Wellbeing Sahih al-Bukhari 2893 Sahih (Authentic)

Dua for Anxiety and Stress

Q: Is this dua authentic?

Yes. This dua is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 2893 and Sahih Muslim, making it among the most authentic supplications in Islamic tradition.

The Prophet Muhammad taught this dua as a shield from seven major difficulties. Arabic text, transliteration, full meaning and spiritual benefits — with Sahih reference.

The Dua — Arabic Text & Meaning

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Transliteration

Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wal-'ajzi wal-kasal, wal-bukhli wal-jubn, wa dhala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal

English Meaning

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by men.

Sahih al-Bukhari 2893 Sahih — Highly Authentic

When to Recite

Recite whenever you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or distressed — in the morning, evening, or any moment of difficulty throughout the day. The Prophet regularly recited this dua as a shield from seven major difficulties. It can be made part of the morning and evening adhkar for consistent spiritual protection.

"Verily, with hardship comes ease. Verily, with hardship comes ease."

— Quran 94:5-6, Surah Al-Inshirah

"And whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect."

— Quran 65:2-3, Surah At-Talaq

How to Recite Properly

Make Wudu

Increases spiritual focus and purity

Face Qibla

If able to do so

Full Presence

Heart focused on every word

Repeat 3x+

With sincere conviction

Benefits & Virtues

Protection from 7 Major Difficulties

This single dua seeks refuge from worry, grief, incapacity, laziness, cowardice, miserliness, heavy debt, and being overpowered — seven of the most common causes of human suffering.

Prophetic Promise of Relief

The Prophet said: "No one is afflicted with anxiety and grief and says this supplication except that Allah will remove his anxiety and replace it with joy." (Musnad Ahmad 3528)

Replaces Worry with Tawakkul

By turning to Allah with words of refuge, the heart shifts from fear of creation to reliance on the Creator — the Islamic definition of complete tawakkul (trust in Allah).

Psychological Clarity

The structured articulation of fears in this dua brings clarity and the peace that comes from surrendering burdens to Allah. Naming fears reduces their power over the heart.

Recite Anytime — No Restrictions

Unlike adhkar restricted to morning or evening, this dua can be made anytime distress is felt — making it an immediately accessible source of spiritual relief throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fixed number, but reciting 3, 7, or 11 times is common practice. The most important thing is to recite with full sincerity and understanding of the meaning of each word. Quality of presence matters far more than quantity.

Yes. This dua is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari (2893) and Sahih Muslim, making it among the most authentic supplications in the entire Islamic tradition. It was regularly taught and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad himself.

Yes, Allah understands all languages. However, learning the Arabic is strongly recommended as these exact words were taught by the Prophet and carry special barakah. Reading the meaning alongside the Arabic greatly increases the quality of the supplication.

Allah's response takes different forms — immediate relief, a delayed answer that tests your faith, or something better than what you asked for. Continue making dua, take practical steps, and seek professional help if needed. Dua and professional treatment work together in Islam.

Yes. Making dua for others is a great act of love in Islam. The Prophet said: "The dua of a Muslim for his brother in his absence is answered." You can recite this dua on behalf of someone suffering by adjusting "inni" (I) to mention their name.