Duas for Anxiety and Distress - Finding Peace in Islam

Anxiety, grief and heavy worry are part of human life, and the Quran and Sunnah give us supplications for them. This guide lists the authentic duas with their sources, and also says clearly that dua sits alongside seeking practical and professional help.

Quick answer

The best-attested duas for worry and distress are "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan" (Sahih al-Bukhari), the dua of Yunus "La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin" (Quran 21:87), and the dua of distress "La ilaha illallahul-'Azimul-Halim" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

The duas

Worry and grief

"Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wal-'ajzi wal-kasal, wal-bukhli wal-jubn, wa dala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal." ("O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt and from being overpowered by men.") Recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari. See dua 119.

The dua of Yunus

"La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin" (Quran 21:87), from Surah Al-Anbiya. The Prophet ﷺ said that no Muslim calls upon Allah with it for anything except that Allah answers him (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). See dua 118.

The dua of distress

"La ilaha illallahul-'Azimul-Halim, la ilaha illallahu Rabbul-'Arshil-'Azim, la ilaha illallahu Rabbus-samawati wa Rabbul-ardi wa Rabbul-'Arshil-Karim." Said by the Prophet ﷺ in times of distress (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). See dua 117.

Relying on Allah's mercy

"Allahumma rahmataka arju fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'ayn, wa aslih li sha'ni kullah, la ilaha illa anta." Recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and graded hasan by al-Albani.

What the Quran says

"Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Quran 13:28).
"Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease" (Quran 94:5-6). See Surah Ash-Sharh.
"Your Lord has not taken leave of you, nor has He detested you" (Quran 93:3). See Surah Ad-Duha.

Practical steps alongside dua

Islam encourages seeking treatment: the Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has not sent down a disease except that He sent down a cure for it (Sahih al-Bukhari). This applies to the heart and mind as well.

Speak to someone you trust. Isolation makes worry heavier.
Keep the prayers, which provide a daily structure and a place to pour out your heart.
Move, sleep and eat regularly, which are practical foundations.
Seek professional help from a doctor or a qualified counsellor if anxiety or low mood lasts or interferes with daily life. Reaching out is not a sign of weak faith.
If you are in immediate danger or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line right now and tell someone close to you.

Etiquette of dua in difficulty

Start with praise of Allah and salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
Ask with humility and certainty.
Be patient, and do not give up if relief does not come immediately.
Make dua in the last third of the night and in sujud. See best times for dua.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dua for anxiety?

"Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan," from Sahih al-Bukhari, is specifically for worry and grief.

Can dua cure anxiety?

Dua is a form of worship and a source of calm, but it does not replace medical care. If anxiety persists, consult a doctor or a qualified professional, which is consistent with the Prophet's ﷺ teaching to seek treatment.

Is feeling anxious a sign of weak faith?

No. The Prophets themselves experienced grief and distress. Feeling it does not mean your faith is weak.

Which surahs help in times of worry?

Many people find comfort in Surah Ad-Duha and Surah Ash-Sharh, which speak of ease after hardship. These are comforting reminders, not treatments.

How often should I recite these duas?

There is no fixed count. Say them as often as you need, with understanding.