Below, you’ll discover authentic duas to recite during times of hardship, distress, or difficulty. These supplications are relevant for various challenging scenarios, including:
- Seeking relief from hardships
- Overcoming distress
- Asking Allah for ease
- Navigating difficulties in marriage or daily life
It’s a positive step that you’re actively seeking solutions—and this search has led you here. Often, when we resist our circumstances, we only prolong our suffering; as the saying goes, “what you resist persists.” Those who give in to resistance tend to complain, resent, or protest their struggles—but these emotions drain energy that could be better spent solving problems or finding peace.
Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (Verse 216): “Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.”
We must learn to embrace our reality and accept Allah’s decree. This is not easy, but falling into a “woe is me” mindset only deepens despair. While tragedies and adversities are very real, taking ownership of our response—rather than victimhood—empowers us to take the first step forward.
Find refuge and comfort in Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) through the following authentic duas:
Dua for Overcoming Hardship: The Supplication of Prophet Yunus (ʿalayhi al-salam)
One of the most powerful duas for distress comes directly from the Quran, in the story of Prophet Yunus (known as Dhun-Nun), who called upon Allah while trapped in the belly of the whale.
In Surah Al-Anbiya (Verse 87), Allah recounts: “And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses…”
The Dua (Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87)
- Arabic Text: لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
- Transliteration: La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu mina ath-thalimeen
- Translation: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
Verse 88 continues: “So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”
Confirmation from the Sunnah
A authentic hadith in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi confirms the power of this supplication. Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Sa’d narrated from his father, from Sa’d, that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated, while in the belly of the whale, was: ‘There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory to You—indeed, I have been of the transgressors.’ So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him.”
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Dua for Distress
The Prophet (ﷺ) himself would recite a specific supplication when facing distress. This dua reflects his reliance on Allah and teaches us to turn to our Lord in every difficulty.
Islamic Guidance for Navigating Hardships
The Sunnah offers timeless wisdom on how to respond to adversity—wisdom that applies to all generations, as humanity’s core struggles remain constant; what changes is our reaction. Below are key teachings to ground you during difficult times:
1. Patience in Hardship, Gratitude in Prosperity
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah, and that is good for him. If adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently, and that is better for him.”
This teaching reminds us that even hardship carries blessings—whether in growth, purification, or drawing closer to Allah.
2. Patience (Sabr) as a Virtue
Sabr (patience, endurance, and perseverance) is the cornerstone of navigating hardship in Islam. It is not passive acceptance, but active trust in Allah while taking constructive action. Cultivating sabr strengthens your faith and prepares you to face challenges with resilience.
3. Navigating Workplace Difficulties
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.”
This teaching encourages patience and obedience in professional settings, even when circumstances feel unfair—while reminding leaders to act with justice.
4. Adversity as a Path to Jannah
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The (Hell) Fire is surrounded with all kinds of desires and passions, while Jannah is surrounded with adversities.”
This powerful reminder reframes hardship: struggles in this life are not punishments, but tests that refine our faith and draw us closer to the eternal rewards of Jannah.
5. Giving to Others During Your Own Hardships
Buraidah Al-Aslami narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever gives respite to one in difficulty will have (the reward of) an act of charity for each day. Whoever gives him respite after payment becomes due will have (the reward of) an act of charity equal to (the amount of the loan) for each day.”
Even in your own distress, helping others eases your own burden and earns Allah’s mercy.
6. Relieving Others’ Burdens
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement. Whoever helps ease a difficulty in the world, Allah will grant him ease from a difficulty in the world and in the Hereafter. Whoever covers (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will cover (his faults) for him in the world and the Hereafter. And Allah is engaged in helping the worshipper as long as the worshipper is engaged in helping his brother.”
This teaching emphasizes that compassion and support for others are not only acts of kindness but also a means to receive Allah’s help in your own struggles.
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"Allah's guidance to spread the Qur'an, unite Muslims, and strengthen Islam!" "هداية الله لنشر القرآن وتوحيد المسلمين وإعزاز الإسلام!"