إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Verily we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in this calamity and compensate me with something better than it.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Allahumma-jurni fi musibati wa akhlif li khayran minha.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly comforting when faced with loss, be it the passing of a loved one, a significant setback, or any form of deep grief. It's the immediate response of a believer to news of loss, acknowledging Allah's sovereignty and seeking His help in the face of affliction.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, reflecting on its meaning. The first part, 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,' is a fundamental affirmation of faith that should be said upon hearing of any loss. The second part is a direct supplication to Allah, asking for His reward and a better replacement. It's best recited immediately upon hearing of the calamity, and can be repeated throughout the period of grief.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua embodies the essence of patience (sabr) and acceptance of Allah's decree. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promised that anyone who recites the second part of this dua when afflicted with a loss, Allah will grant them reward for their loss and give them something better in its place. This signifies the immense blessings that can follow steadfastness and a positive reliance on Allah during hardship. It helps to shift focus from the pain of loss to the mercy and wisdom of Allah, fostering inner peace.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'There is no Muslim who is struck by a calamity and, remembering it (what Allah has ordained) though some time has elapsed since it occurred, says: *'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Allahumma-jurni fi musibati wa akhlif li khayran minha'* (Verily we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in this calamity and compensate me with something better than it), but Allah will give them reward for the calamity and compensate them with something better than it.' Umm Salamah said: 'When Abu Salamah died, I said it (as the Prophet ﷺ had commanded me), and Allah compensated me with someone who was better than him, i.e., the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.'