لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.
La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin
When to Read
This powerful dua is especially potent when facing any form of distress, hardship, or when we feel we have wronged ourselves or others. While it originated with Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) in a dire situation, its universality means it can be invoked during difficult times, after obligatory prayers, or during personal supplications (dua) when seeking Allah's immediate help and forgiveness.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and full conviction in Allah's power to alleviate distress. Understand the meaning behind the words – acknowledging Allah's oneness, His perfection, and our own shortcomings. This dua is often recommended to be said with a heart that is turning back to Allah, recognizing His mercy even in our mistakes. Imagine yourself in the darkness of the fish's belly, calling out to the One who has power over all things.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is explicitly mentioned in the Quran as a source of relief. Allah says, 'And Dhul-Nun (Yunus) when he went off in anger, thinking that We would not seize him - but he cried out in the darkness, 'There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.' So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.' (Al-Anbiya 21:87-88). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, 'The supplication of Dhul-Nun (Prophet Yunus) which he said when he was in the belly of the whale was: 'La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin' ('There is no god but You; glory to You! I have been wrong to myself'). So indeed Allah said: 'It was answered. And never had any servant called upon Me in these words, except that I would answer him.'' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3505, graded Hasan). This hadith highlights that Allah responds to this specific dua, making it a direct pathway to His assistance and forgiveness when facing trials.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Sa'id ibn Abi Waqqas: The supplication of Dhul-Nun (Prophet Yunus) which he said when he was in the belly of the whale was: 'La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin' ('There is no god but You; glory to You! I have been wrong to myself'). So indeed Allah said: 'It was answered. And never had any servant called upon Me in these words, except that I would answer him.'