إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْهُ عِنْدَكَ فِي عِلِّيِّينَ، وَاجْعَلْهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الثَّوَابِ، وَاجْعَلْ لَهُ مَثُوبَةً مِنْكَ جَزِيلَةً، حَتَّى تُدْرِكَهُ الرَّحْمَةُ، وَتُخْلِفَهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، اللَّهُمَّ لَا تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ، وَلَا تَفْتِنَّا بَعْدَهُ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ.
Truly, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, record him among the highest in 'Illiyyin (a high place in Paradise), and make his record among those who receive abundant reward. Grant him a great reward from You, so that mercy reaches him and he is succeeded by those he left behind. O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward, and do not afflict us with calamity after him, and forgive us and him.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma-ktubhu 'inda-ka fī 'illiyyīn, waj'alhu fī kitābi-ka min ahlith-thawābi, waj'al lahu mathūbatan minka jazīlah, hattā tudrikahu ar-raḥmah, wa tukhlifahu fī 'aqibihi fī al-ghābirīn. Allāhumma lā taḥrimnā ajrahu, wa lā taftinna ba'dahu, waghfir lanā wa lahu.
When to Read
This profound dua is recited when you receive news of someone's death. It's a moment when our hearts naturally turn towards Allah, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty over life and death.
How to Read
The initial phrase, 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' is a Quranic verse and a fundamental response for Muslims upon hearing news of a death or any calamity. The rest of the dua is a supplication specifically taught to be recited in such times. It should be uttered with sincerity and reflection, recognizing the transient nature of this world and the importance of seeking Allah's mercy for both the deceased and ourselves.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn' is a Sunnah, and it brings immense comfort and spiritual strength. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whenever a servant is afflicted with a calamity and says: 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says: 'You are from the people of patience and excellence.' (Al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman). The fuller dua seeks Allah's mercy upon the deceased, asking for their elevated status in Paradise and for continued blessings for their family. It also wisely includes a plea for protection from being led astray by the grief and challenges that follow loss.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'There is no Muslim who suffers a calamity and remembers it, even if it happened a long time ago, and says: 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn' (Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him we shall return), except that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, renews the reward for him for that calamity as on the day it happened.' (Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Majah). Ibn Majah also narrated a fuller version of the dua which is commonly recited in such situations: 'Allāhumma-ktubhu 'inda-ka fī 'illiyyīn...'