إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and grant me something better than it.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma-jurnī fī muṣībatī wa-akhlif lī khayran minhā.
When to Read
This is the profound supplication the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to recite when a calamity befalls us. It's especially relevant when facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding life after a major disaster, such as loss of home, livelihood, or loved ones. Reciting it upon hearing of a disaster, or as you begin the difficult process of recovery, anchors your heart to Allah's plan and seeks His reward for your suffering.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere conviction, acknowledging that everything belongs to Allah and will return to Him. Understand that 'reward' (ajr) in this context means immense blessings and closeness to Allah, and 'something better' (khayran minhā) is a plea for a future that surpasses the present hardship, whether in this life or the next. Utter it as you feel the weight of the loss, allowing the words to soothe your soul and redirect your focus towards Allah's mercy and wisdom.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever utters this dua when afflicted will be rewarded by Allah and that Allah will grant them something better than what they lost. This is a powerful reminder that even in the deepest sorrow, there is potential for divine compensation and a greater good. It fosters patience (sabr) by reminding us of our ultimate return to Allah, and perseverance by seeking His assistance to overcome the hardship and rebuild.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'When a servant is afflicted by an affliction and he remembers what Allah has commanded him, he says: 'Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and grant me something better than it.' Then Allah grants him something better than it.' Umm Salamah said: When Abu Salamah died, I said this prayer and Allah granted me something better than him (meaning the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). — Sahih Muslim 918