اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
"O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the suffering, heal (him/her), for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no ailment behind."
Allahumma Rabb an-nas, adh-hibil-ba's, ishfi Antash-Shafi, la shifaa illa shifa'uka, shifaan la yughadiru saqaman.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when praying for an elderly person who is suffering from an illness or physical discomfort. It can be recited directly to the sick person, or as a personal supplication when thinking of them. It's also beneficial to recite it at times of general supplication, like after Salah or during the last third of the night, directing its intention towards the elderly in your life.
How to Read
When reciting this dua for someone else, it is recommended to place your hand on the afflicted part of their body, if possible. Recite it with sincerity, conviction in Allah's power to heal, and humility. The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua with great care, emphasizing it as a profound plea to the ultimate Healer.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates profound trust in Allah as the sole source of healing. It acknowledges His Lordship over all mankind and directly asks for the removal of suffering and for a complete, lasting cure. Reciting it for the elderly shows compassion and recognizes their vulnerability, seeking Allah's mercy for them. The emphasis on 'a healing that leaves no ailment behind' is a powerful request for complete recovery, reflecting the deep desire for well-being.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): When any person among the people of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had a complaint about his body, he (ﷺ) would say to them: 'Raise your hand and recite: "Allahumma Rabb an-nas, adh-hibil-ba's, ishfi Antash-Shafi, la shifaa illa shifa'uka, shifaan la yughadiru saqaman." (O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the suffering, heal (him/her), for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no ailment behind.)' Then Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) got sick, and he started having difficulty breathing. So, the angels came and said to him: 'O Muhammad, what is wrong?' He said: 'They (the angels) told him: 'This is a disease which Allah has sent for you.' He said: 'O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the suffering, heal me, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no ailment behind.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5743)