Allah the Exalted says, “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned” (al-Rum 30:41).
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His words, “and the loss of Your well-being,” contain a plea for refuge in Allah from having well-being taken away and transferred elsewhere. He asks that it remain in full measure upon him. Well-being here covers one’s religion, body, homeland, family, and wealth—that they stay intact, unharmed, and un-removed, safe from anything that might undermine, destroy, or eliminate them.
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His words, “and the suddenness of Your retribution.” Suddenness (fajʾah) is a calamity that seizes a person without prior warning or alert. He is caught where he thought himself secure; punishment overtakes him unexpectedly, and at that moment there is neither escape nor refuge.
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His words, “and from all of Your displeasure,” are a generalisation after a particularisation. He seeks refuge in Allah from every evil and from all matters that incur His wrath. What angers the Almighty toward His servants is every kind of sin and disobedience—whether violating prohibitions or neglecting obligations. Allah knows best.
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His words, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from being overwhelmed by debt.” The overwhelming debt meant here is one for which the debtor possesses no means of repayment; if he does have the means, the debt is not deemed overwhelming.
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When debt dominates, it breeds worry and grief; its bearer lives in anxiety and physical, emotional, and mental strain. This is what the Prophet sought protection from, for people’s rights are usually pursued with tenacity. Hence the Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from indebtedness (al-magram) and said, outlining its harmful effects and dire consequences: “When a man falls into debt, he speaks and lies, and he promises and breaks his promise.” Reported by al-Bukhārī (832) and Muslim (2589).
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As for being overpowered by an enemy, it brings humiliation, disgrace, and abasement; the enemy shows no mercy or compassion, but rather acts with harshness and devastation.