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Fatwa CenterMeaning of "jahd al-balaa’ wa darak ash-shaqaa’"
Question
I want to know the meaning of the Hadeeth that includes the Prophet's Du‘aa’ (supplication), "Allaahumma innaa na‘oothu bika min jahd al-balaa’ wa darak ash-shaqaa’". I would like a brief explanation of this Du‘aa’. Thank you.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Him, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
According to Abu Hurayrah 
the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to seek the protection of Allaah the Almighty against “jahd al-balaa’” and “darak ash-shaqaa’”, as well as, “soo’ al-qadhaa’” and “shamaatat al-a‘daa’”[1]. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Those who explained this Hadeeth mentioned that “jahd al-balaa’” refers to a state in which a person prefers death to life, because he is faced with adversities, such as a lack of money while having many children to take care of. This condition is but a test from Allaah the Almighty.
Also, there is more than one definition for “darak ash-shaqaa’”, some of which are as follows:
1- Hardships that one faces.
2- Destruction, as per the opinion of Ibn Hajar 
.
3- One of the levels of Jahannam (Hell)
Allaah Knows best.
[1] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasalllam, asks Allaah the Almighty for protection from facing adversities, great hardships, evil of one’s destiny, and the gloating of enemies over one's misfortunes.
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