لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ، إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
There is no god but You; Glory to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.
La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin
When to Read
This powerful supplication is specifically mentioned as the dua of Yunus (Jonah), peace be upon him, when he was in the belly of the whale. While it's often recited in times of distress, its profound acknowledgement of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and admission of wrongdoing makes it a potent dua for seeking forgiveness, especially for sins like shirk, which is the gravest offense. We can turn to this dua at any time we feel we have faltered or committed any sin, seeking Allah's immense mercy.
How to Read
Recite with sincere belief in Allah's Oneness and His absolute power. Acknowledge your shortcomings and sins, including any potential unintentional shirk or neglect of Allah's rights. Understand that 'wrongdoers' (dhahlimin) here encompasses all who have transgressed, and by saying this, you are admitting your own place among them and seeking Allah's pardon. It is best recited with humility and a heartfelt plea.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is the supplication of a Prophet, peace be upon him, uttered in the darkest of circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The supplication of Dhu an-Nun (Prophet Yunus) which he offered when he was inside the fish was: 'La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin.' (There is no god but You; Glory to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.) 'Fakuunun (a narrator) said: 'Allah the Almighty responded to him and said: 'No servant calls upon Me in this manner, except that I respond to him.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3505, graded Hasan). This hadith clearly indicates that Allah responds to this specific supplication, bringing relief and acceptance, especially when seeking forgiveness for sins, including the sin of shirk.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'The supplication of Dhu an-Nun (Prophet Yunus) which he offered when he was inside the fish was: 'La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin.' (There is no god but You; Glory to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.) 'Fakuunun said: 'Allah the Almighty responded to him and said: 'No servant calls upon Me in this manner, except that I respond to him.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3505)