لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.
La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin
When to Read
This is the powerful plea Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) made from the depths of darkness. It's a dua you turn to when you feel overwhelmed, trapped, or burdened by your own mistakes or circumstances. Whether you're facing a personal crisis, deep anxiety, seeking forgiveness for sins, or simply feeling isolated and in need of Allah's profound mercy, this dua is a powerful invocation. It's for moments when you recognize your helplessness and turn completely to Allah, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and your own fallibility.
How to Read
Recite this dua with a heart full of conviction and humility. Understand that you are declaring Allah's absolute Oneness and perfection, while simultaneously acknowledging your own shortcomings. Let your voice reflect your sincerity, your repentance, and your desperate need for His intervention. It's not just a set of words; it's a profound declaration of **Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)** and **Istighfar (seeking forgiveness)**. Reflect on the context of Prophet Yunus, who was in unimaginable distress, yet found solace and salvation through this very prayer. Combine it with sincere repentance and a firm belief that Allah is the only one who can bring you relief.
Virtues & Benefits
The immense power of this dua is highlighted in the words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He said: > The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated while in the belly of the whale was: 'La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin (There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers).' No Muslim supplicates with it for anything, ever, except that Allah responds to him." > — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3505 This hadith teaches us that this dua is a key to having your prayers answered. It is a source of **relief from distress**, a means of **forgiveness of sins**, and a profound affirmation of Allah's **absolute power and mercy**. When we recite it, we are essentially declaring Allah's glory and admitting our own weaknesses, a combination that is extremely beloved to Allah and a catalyst for His divine intervention.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated while in the belly of the whale was: 'La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin (There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers).' No Muslim supplicates with it for anything, ever, except that Allah responds to him."