إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْنِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better than it.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma'jurnī fī muṣībatī wa 'akhlifnī khayran minhā.
When to Read
This dua is recited upon experiencing any significant loss or calamity, including the death of a beloved pet. It is a profound statement of acceptance of Allah's decree and a request for His aid during times of grief.
How to Read
Recite this with a sincere heart, acknowledging that all things come from Allah and will return to Him. Speak the words with conviction, seeking Allah's reward for your hardship and trusting that He will grant you something better, whether it be in this life or the next. Take your time and allow the meaning to resonate within you as you mourn.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua as a means to seek Allah's reward ('ajr) for calamities. Those who recite it are promised by Allah that they will be rewarded for their affliction and granted something superior in its place. This emphasizes the virtue of patience (sabr) and trusting in Allah's plan, even when facing painful circumstances like the loss of a cherished companion.
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 afflicted by a calamity and asks what Allah has ordained for him, saying: 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma'jurnī fī muṣībatī wa 'akhlifnī khayran minhā' (Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better than it) – but Allah will compensate him with something better than that.' Umm Salamah said: When Abu Salamah died, I recited this very dua, and Allah compensated me with someone better than him (meaning the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).