Hardships and difficulties are part of our lives, and they make us stronger. It does not matter if you are rich or poor because both segments of our society fight wars at their own ends.
Rich people have the money to make their lives easy but can’t buy mental peace with it. On the other hand, poor people struggle daily to make ends meet. To be honest, this is what life is, and as Muslims, we must believe in Allah’s will and always thank him for his blessings and bounties.
This blog will discuss the best dua for hardships and difficult times. We will also talk about the benefits of reciting the dua during difficult times and how to recite them for maximum benefit.
Dua for Hardships from the Quran
لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
Dua for Hardships in English: Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
Translation: There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.
Explanation: The Arabic text is extracted from Surah Al-Anbya Verse 87. This supplication for hardships was recited by Prophet Yunus (PBUH) when a whale swallowed him.
He (PBUH) was deep in the belly of a whale with darkness all around him. However, Allah saved his life when he recited this dua during difficult times. We should seek Allah’s help in difficult times and recite the same supplication.
In Surah As-Saffat Verse 143-144, the Quran says that Allah would have kept Prophet Yunus (PBUH) in the belly of the fish till the day of judgment, but he glorified Allah, and Allah let him walk on land again.
This shows how important glorifying Allah is and how fruitful it can be in times of difficulties. You can also recite dua for ease, and dua for guidance and Allah’s help.
Dua for Times of Difficulties
Here is the best dua for hardships and times of difficulties from Sahih Hadith.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
Dua for times of difficulties in English: Allahumma innī a’ūzu bika minal-hammi wal-ḥazan, wal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa ḍala‘i ad-dayn wa ghalabati ar-rijāl.
Translation: O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt, and from being overpowered by (other) men.
Hadith: Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (PBUH) used to say, Allahumma innī a’ūzu bika minal-hammi wal-ḥazan, wal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa ḍala‘i ad-dayn wa ghalabati ar-rijāl. —Sahih al-Bukhari 6369
Explanation: This supplication has been transmitted in several Hadith books. Hisn al-Muslim 137, Mishkat al-Masabih 2458, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 672, Sunan an-Nasa’i 5476, etc.
In this Hadith, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is seeking Allah’s mercy from things and times of difficulties. He (PBUH) seeks refuge from worry, grief, laziness, cowardice, and from being in debt. We should follow the sunnah for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and recite the dua in times of difficulties and distress. You can also recite the dua for laziness, dua for anxiety, and dua for protection from everything evil.
Dua for Hardships and distress
Here is the best dua for hardships and distress prescribed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Dua for hardships and distress in English: Allāhumma raḥmataka arjū falā takilnī ilā nafsī ṭarfata `ayn, wa aṣliḥ lī sha’nī kullah, lā ilāha illā ant.
Translation: O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment). Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship but You.
Hadith: Abu Bakra reported God’s messenger as saying that the supplications to be used by one who is distressed are, “O God, Thy mercy is what I hope for. Do not abandon me to myself for an instant, but put all my affairs in good order for me. There is no god but Thou.” —Mishkat al-Masabih 2447
Explanation: The Hadith was transmitted in Abu Dawud on 5090, and Ahmad on 5/42. Al-Albani graded it as good in Sahih Abu Dawud 3/959.
In this Hadith, we can clearly see that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is hoping for the mercy of Allah in times of distress. Furthermore, he supplicates to Allah not to leave him on his own and adjust everything in his life for good.
We must follow the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (PBUH) when making supplications in depressing times. Here is the dua for pain relief and the dua for protection from the evil eye.
Dua for Ease of Hardships
اللَّهُمَّ لاَ سَهْلَ إِلاَّ مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً
Dua for Ease of Hardships in English: Allāhumma lā saḥla illā ma ja`altahu saḥla wa anta taj`alu ‘l-ḥazna idhā shi’ta saḥla.
Translation: O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow.
Hadith: The dua for ease of hardships is taken from the book of Hins al-Muslims, Hadith #139. Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (no. 2427), and Ibn As-Sunni (no. 351). Al-Hafidh (Ibn Hajar) said that this Hadith is authentic. It was also declared authentic by Abdul-Qadir Al-Arna’ut after checking An-Nawawi’s Kitabul-Athkarp. 106.
In this dua, for ease of hardship, the Holy Prophet asks Allah to ease difficulties and sorrows. We should recite this supplication at times of sorrow and distress. You can also recite the dua for the dead, dua for lost items, etc.
What to do when Allah is testing you with hardships?
We must thank Allah for everything and all his blessings. Allah only tests those who are closer to him. See the example of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), who was ordered to kill his son in the way of Allah.
In the Quran, Allah says, “Fighting has been made obligatory upon you ˹believers˺, though you dislike it. Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” —Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 216
What are the benefits of reciting the dua for hardships and difficult times?
Reciting the dua for hardships, distress, and times of difficulty offers numerous spiritual and emotional benefits. Here are some key advantages:
1. Strengthens Faith and Trust in Allah
Reciting this dua deepens your connection with Allah and reminds you that all trials are part of His divine wisdom. It fosters reliance on Him for comfort and support during difficult times. Recite the 1st Kalma to strengthen your faith.
2. Reduces Depression
Turning to Allah through dua brings a deep sense of mental peace, helping to soothe the heart and mind by placing your burdens in His hands. It eases anxiety and offers comfort, knowing that the Creator is in control of your situation. Recite the dua for success and dua for forgiveness.
3. The Spiritual Healing
This dua for hardships helps in combating grief, helplessness, and fear. It also provides spiritual healing and motivation. Here is the dua for healing and the good health dua.
4. Encourages Patience and Perseverance
Constantly reciting dua encourages patience in adversity. It reminds believers that Allah has a plan, providing hope and perseverance through life’s challenges. Here is the best dua for patience.
5. Invokes Barakah (Blessings)
Through sincere dua, you open yourself up to Allah’s mercy and blessings. It helps shift the situation in your favor and brings barakah, especially during difficult periods. Always say Alhamdulillah after receiving good news; it will increase barakah.
6. Guidance and Clarity
With this dua, you can see everything clearly. Allah will open doors for you, and with his guidance, your difficult time will pass quickly and easily.
Wrap Up
We have listed the most powerful dua for hardships and difficult times and hope you will benefit from them. We have provided Quranic verses and Sahih Hadiths for reference so you know the source of these supplications.
We will include more supplications for hardships later this month and hope you will share this guide with others.
FAQs
What is the best dua for hardships in Arabic?
لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
What is dua for hardships in English?
Recite the following dua for hardships and difficult times.
1- Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
2- Allahumma innī a’ūzu bika minal-hammi wal-ḥazan, wal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa ḍala‘i ad-dayn wa ghalabati ar-rijāl.
What is the dua to ease difficulties and hardships in the Quran & Hadith?
You can recite the following supplication to ease hardships and difficulties.
1- Allāhumma lā saḥla illā ma ja`altahu saḥla wa anta taj`alu ‘l-ḥazna idhā shi’ta saḥla.
2- Allāhumma raḥmataka arjū falā takilnī ilā nafsī ṭarfata `ayn, wa aṣliḥ lī sha’nī kullah, lā ilāha illā ant.
What is the dua for hardship in marriage and relationships?
You can recite any of the above-mentioned dua for hardships in a relationship or marriage. We have also compiled a set of supplications for those looking to get married but could find decent proposals. You might want to check out the guide on dua for marriage.
Which is the best Quranic Surah to overcome hardship and difficult times?
You should recite Surah Ar-Rehman every day. Also, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi and Ayat-e-Karima with it. These are suggested by Islamic scholars, not us!
What else should you know?
Here is a list of a few powerful dua you should know.
