إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, grant me reward in my affliction and give me something better in exchange for it.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma-jurnī fī muṣībatī wa-akh-lif lī khayran minhā.
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically taught for times of loss and calamity. When you receive news of a death, experience a significant setback, or face any profound grief, reciting this dua can be a source of immense solace and strength. It's a way to acknowledge Allah's sovereignty over all things and to seek His comfort and replacement for what has been taken.
How to Read
When faced with a loss, take a moment to pause and reflect. Recite the initial part, 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' as an acknowledgment of Allah's decree and our return to Him. Then, sincerely offer the second part, 'Allāhumma-jurnī fī muṣībatī wa-akh-lif lī khayran minhā,' with a heart full of hope in Allah's mercy. Speak it with a clear intention, understanding that you are turning to your Creator for support and a better future.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers profound spiritual and emotional benefits during times of grief. The first part, 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' anchors us in the reality of our existence and our ultimate return to Allah, fostering patience (sabr). The second part, 'Allāhumma-jurnī fī muṣībatī wa-akh-lif lī khayran minhā,' is a direct supplication for divine compensation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promised that whoever recites this when afflicted, Allah will grant them reward for their loss and will give them something better in its place. This promise highlights Allah's infinite mercy and His ability to turn hardship into ease and even blessing.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'Any servant (of Allah) who is afflicted by calamity and says: 'We belong to Allah and to Him we are returning; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange'', Allah will reward him for his affliction and give him something better than it in exchange.' Umm Salamah said: When Abu Salamah died, I recited it as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had commanded me, and Allah gave me better than him (in exchange) – I married him (the Prophet ﷺ). (Sahih Muslim 918)