Anxiety & hardship
Do not leave me to myself (the du'a of distress)
These are the words the Prophet ﷺ taught to say in distress and anxiety. Instead of leaning on your own strength, you place your full hope in Allah's mercy and ask Him not to abandon you to yourself for even an instant, and to put every one of your affairs in order. Reported in Sunan Abi Dawud (5090), it is a lifeline whenever worry closes in.
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Allāhumma raḥmataka arjū falā takilnī ilā nafsī ṭarfata ʿayn, wa aṣliḥ lī sha'nī kullah, lā ilāha illā anta
O Allah, it is Your mercy I hope for, so do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye; set right all my affairs. There is no god but You.
Authenticity: Hasan (good), reported by Abu Dawud (5090); graded hasan by al-Albani.
Download image to shareWhen to say it
In moments of distress, anxiety, worry or feeling overwhelmed. It is also included in the morning and evening adhkar.
How often
There is no fixed count; repeat it sincerely when distress strikes, and once in the morning and once in the evening.
Frequently asked
When is this du'a said?
The Prophet ﷺ taught it as words to say in times of distress and anxiety, and it is also part of the morning and evening adhkar. Say it whenever you feel overwhelmed and need to hand your situation back to Allah.
What does 'do not leave me to myself' mean?
It is a plea that Allah never leave you dependent on your own weakness and judgement, not even for the blink of an eye, but keep you under His care and set all your affairs in order for you.