Life is full of challenges, trials, and unexpected situations. Every believer faces hardships in one way or another—whether through financial problems, family issues, health struggles, or emotional pain. In such times, the best solution is to turn to Allah ﷻ through dua (supplication).
Making dua during times of hardship not only brings spiritual comfort but also strengthens our connection with Allah, who is the ultimate source of relief and mercy. This blog will explore authentic duas for removing hardships, their meanings, and how to recite them with sincerity.
Importance of Dua in Times of Hardship
Hardships are a test from Allah. He mentions in the Qur’an:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)
Dua is the most powerful weapon of a believer. It changes destiny, opens doors of mercy, and removes difficulties. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Dua is the essence of worship.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, whenever we are overwhelmed by problems, we should turn to Allah with humility, knowing that only He can remove hardship.
Best Duas for Removing Hardships
1. Dua of Yunus (A.S) in the Belly of the Whale
This powerful dua is mentioned in the Qur’an when Prophet Yunus (A.S) was trapped in darkness:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen.
Translation:
“There is no deity except You; Glory be to You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Yunus) when he supplicated while in the belly of the fish was: ‘La ilaha illa Anta Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen.’ No Muslim ever makes dua with it for anything except that Allah responds to him.” (Tirmidhi)
This dua is extremely effective for removing stress, pain, and major life challenges.
2. Dua for Distress and Anxiety
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught this dua for times of sadness and worry:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
Allahumma inni a‘udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wa a‘udhu bika minal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wa a‘udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a‘udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
Translation:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from being overwhelmed by debt and the oppression of men.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Reciting this dua regularly helps remove financial difficulties, emotional burdens, and hardships.
3. Dua for Relief from Hardship
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal-wakeel.
Translation:
“Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:173)
This was the dua of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) when he was thrown into the fire and also of the Sahabah during battles. It brings immense relief when facing fear, injustice, or unbearable problems.
4. Dua for Patience During Trials
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي، وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
Rabbi ishrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri.
Translation:
“My Lord, expand my chest (with assurance) and ease my task for me.” (Surah Taha 20:25-26)
This dua is perfect for anyone struggling with difficult decisions, exams, or overwhelming responsibilities.
5. General Dua for Hardship
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Allahumma rahmataka arju fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘aynin wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu la ilaha illa Anta.
Translation:
“O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye. Correct all of my matters. There is no god but You.” (Abu Dawood)
This dua is comprehensive and covers all types of hardships in life.
Tips for Making Dua in Hardship
- Start with Praise of Allah – Begin your dua by glorifying Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Raise Your Hands – Make dua with humility, facing the Qiblah.
- Be Consistent – Recite duas daily, especially after obligatory prayers.
- Have Firm Faith – Believe that Allah hears you and will respond at the right time.
- Combine Dua with Action – Along with supplication, strive to solve your issues with halal means.
Quranic Verses for Removing Hardships
The Qur’an itself is a source of healing and comfort. Some verses to recite during trials include:
- Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6): “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286): “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
- Surah At-Tawbah (9:51): “Say, Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.”
Regular recitation of these verses brings calmness, relief, and hope.
Benefits of Making Dua in Hardshi
- Strengthens Iman (faith) in Allah’s Qadr.
- Removes stress, depression, and hopelessness.
- Brings spiritual comfort and peace of mind.
- Opens doors of unexpected help and blessings.
- Increases patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Conclusion
Hardships are part of life, but Allah ﷻ never leaves a believer alone. Through dua, patience, and reliance on Allah, every difficulty becomes easier. The duas of Yunus (A.S), Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal-wakeel, and the supplications of the Prophet ﷺ are powerful tools to seek relief from troubles.
Always remember that trials are temporary, but Allah’s mercy is everlasting. Keep reciting these duas, remain steadfast in prayer, and trust that Allah will replace your hardship with ease.
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)