إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْ لِي بِهَـا عِنْدَكَ الْعُجْلَىٰ، وَأَخِّرْنِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، وَأَرْضِنِي بِقَضَائِكَ، وَلَا تَرْنِي فِي هَـذِهِ الدُّنْيَا شَيْئًا يَكْرَهُهُ قَلْبِي، وَلَا تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيَّ أَسْبَابَ هَـوَايَ، وَلَا تَجْعَلْ لِشَيْطَانَ عَلَيَّ سُلْطَانًا، وَأَجِرْنِي مِنْ كُلِّ سُوءٍ، وَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ.
We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. O Allah, decree for me goodness in this matter (referring to the calamity) and delay my end until a specified time. Make me pleased with Your decree, and do not show me in this world anything that my heart dislikes. Do not let the desires control me, and do not give Satan power over me. Save me from all evil, and forgive me, for indeed none can forgive sins except You.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma uktub lī bihā 'indaka al-'ujlā, wa akhkhirnī ilā ajalin musammā, wa arḍinī biqaḍā'ika, wa lā turinī fī hādhihi d-dunyā shay'an yakrahuhu qalbī, wa lā tusalliṭ 'alayya asbāba hawāya, wa lā taj'al lishayṭāni 'alayya sulṭānan, wa ajirnī min kulli sū', waghfir lī, fa innahu lā yaghfiru dh-dhunūba illā anta.
When to Read
This powerful supplication is meant for times of immense grief and distress when an unforeseen calamity strikes. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, or any other severe trial, reciting this dua helps us acknowledge our dependence on Allah and seek His solace and support. It's a way to consciously turn to Him when our worldly strength wavers.
How to Read
Begin by sincerely acknowledging that everything belongs to Allah and that we will return to Him. This recognition is the foundation of patience and acceptance. Then, make the dua with conviction, raising your hands if possible. Utter the words with a humble heart, seeking Allah's pleasure, protection from hardship, and guidance away from sin and evil influences. It's best recited immediately upon hearing of the calamity, and can be repeated as often as needed.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua offers immense spiritual benefits. It fosters patience (sabr) and acceptance of Allah's decree, which are highly rewarded in Islam. The initial part, 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' is a profound reminder that we are temporary custodians of everything, alleviating attachment and grief. The dua also seeks protection from the ill effects of the calamity itself, from our own desires that might lead us astray, and from the whisperings of Shaitan. Ultimately, it turns a moment of despair into an opportunity for seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy.
Source & Authentication
The narration describing this dua is found in Sunan Abi Dawud. It is reported that when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was informed of the death of his daughter Zaynab, he said: 'Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. O Allah, decree for me goodness in this matter and delay my end until a specified time. Make me pleased with Your decree, and do not show me in this world anything that my heart dislikes. Do not let the desires control me, and do not give Satan power over me. Save me from all evil, and forgive me, for indeed none can forgive sins except You.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 4904)