اللَّهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إِلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلًا، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحُزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلًا
O Allah, there is no ease except what You have made easy. If You will, You can make grief [or difficulty] easy.
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahla, wa anta taj'alu al-hazna idha shi'ta sahla
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited by anyone facing a significant difficulty, and it is particularly relevant during labor and delivery. A mother can recite it during her pregnancy, especially as her due date approaches, and throughout the labor process. It can also be recited by her husband, family members, or anyone supporting her, asking Allah to make the birthing process smooth and safe.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and firm belief in Allah's ability to ease all matters. Focus on the meaning, visualizing Allah's power to transform hardship into ease. It can be recited repeatedly throughout the labor. Speaking it aloud or reciting it silently are both permissible. The key is the connection with Allah and the heartfelt plea for His assistance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the core of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). By acknowledging that ease is solely from Allah, we divest ourselves of excessive anxiety and place our trust in the One who controls all outcomes. Reciting this during labor reminds us that this intense experience, while natural, is ultimately in Allah's hands, and seeking His help directly is the most effective means of finding peace and relief. It fosters patience and acceptance during a potentially challenging time.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahla, wa anta taj'alu al-hazna idha shi'ta sahla' (O Allah, there is no ease except what You have made easy, and You can make grief [or difficulty] easy if You will)." (Sahih Ibn Hibban, classified as Sahih)