What dua can I make when I'm in debt?
The best-known dua for debt is "Allahumma-kfini bi halalika 'an haramik, wa aghnini bi fadlika 'amman siwak": "O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful instead of what is unlawful, and make me independent by Your grace of anyone besides You." Pair it with a real repayment plan, because dua and effort go together in Islam.
Dua 1: "Suffice me with Your halal"
A slave who had agreed to buy his freedom came to Ali ibn Abi Talib asking for help with his payments. Ali taught him this dua, saying it was taught to him by the Prophet ﷺ, and that even with a debt the size of a mountain, Allah would help him pay it (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3563, graded hasan).
Allahumma-kfini bi halalika 'an haramik, wa aghnini bi fadlika 'amman siwak.
Dua 2: Refuge from worry and the weight of debt
The Prophet ﷺ often said this dua (Sahih al-Bukhari 6369):
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 people."
It names exactly what debt often brings: anxiety, low energy and feeling at others' mercy. See What dua can I say when I feel anxious?
Why the Prophet ﷺ took debt seriously
He used to seek refuge from debt at the end of his prayer. When someone asked why he did this so often, he explained that a person in debt tends to lie when he speaks and break promises when he makes them (Sahih al-Bukhari 832). Debt isn't haram in itself, but it weighs on the heart and on your honesty.
There is also hope: whoever borrows intending to repay, Allah will help him repay (Sahih al-Bukhari 2387). Your sincere intention counts.
Practical steps alongside dua
- List every debt, smallest to largest, and pay something on each one every month.
- Talk to your lenders early if you can't pay. Many offer payment plans.
- If your debt involves interest, stop adding to it and look for halal ways out. See How do I get out of interest debt as a new Muslim?
- Use free debt advice services (in the UK, StepChange or Citizens Advice; in the US, a non-profit credit counsellor).
Facing an emergency? See Can Muslims take an interest loan in an emergency?
- Say "Allahumma-kfini bi halalika 'an haramik..." for help paying debts.
- The Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from worry and the burden of debt.
- A sincere intention to repay brings Allah's help.
- Combine dua with a budget, honest talks with lenders and free advice.
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