لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.
La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin
When to Read
We've all been there: a situation so dire, so overwhelming, that our usual problem-solving skills simply don't cut it. We've tried every avenue, exhausted every natural cause, and the knot of despair tightens. This is precisely the moment to turn to the powerful dua of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him). Recite this dua when you feel utterly helpless, trapped in a difficult situation, or overwhelmed by a calamity that seems impossible to overcome. It is particularly potent when you’ve exhausted all apparent worldly means and see no immediate solution, or when you are consumed by deep distress, anxiety, or grief. It's a powerful affirmation of Allah's absolute power when our own seems to have failed.
How to Read
Making this dua is more than just reciting words; it's an act of profound surrender and trust in Allah. When you find yourself in a state of deep distress or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, turn to Allah with this supplication: * **Sincerity (Ikhlas):** Recite it with your heart fully present, acknowledging the profound truth contained within: Allah's absolute oneness and your own vulnerability. * **Understanding the Meaning:** Reflect deeply on the words. You're testifying to Allah's perfection and admitting your shortcomings and transgressions. This humility is a vital key to an accepted dua. * **Repentance (Istighfar):** The phrase 'Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers' is a powerful confession of sins, a crucial component of seeking Allah’s mercy and any accepted supplication. * **Frequency:** The more you recite it, especially during moments of perceived hopelessness, the more you strengthen your reliance on Allah. You can recite it while standing, sitting, or even lying down, as long as your heart is attentive and your intention is pure.
Virtues & Benefits
The immense benefit of this dua is beautifully encapsulated in the very next ayah of the Quran and confirmed by the Prophet ﷺ. After Prophet Yunus made this supplication in the profound darkness of the whale's belly, Allah immediately responded to his call: > **Arabic:** فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيْنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُۨجِى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ > > **Translation:** 'So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.' > > — Al-Anbiya 21:88 This isn't just a story about Prophet Yunus; it's a profound promise to *us*, the believers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clarified this universal application: > Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated while in the belly of the whale was: > > > **Arabic:** لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ > > **Translation:** "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers." > > **Transliteration:** *La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin* > > 'No Muslim supplicates with it for anything but Allah will respond to him.' > > — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3505 (Hasan Sahih) This hadith gives us tremendous hope and certainty. Whether you are seeking relief from financial hardship, emotional turmoil, health issues, injustice, or any overwhelming distress, reciting this dua with conviction is a potent means of seeking Allah's help. It teaches us that even when all worldly doors seem closed, the door to Allah's mercy is always open. It nurtures our reliance on Him, reminding us that true strength, solace, and relief come only from Him.
Source & Authentication
This dua is part of a longer passage in the Quran, detailing the story of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him): > **Arabic:** وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَٰضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٨٧ فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيْنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُۨجِى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٨٨ > > **Translation:** "And [mention] Dhun-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. But he called out within the darknesses, 'There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of 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