إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْ لِي بِعِنْدَكَ الْعُجْرَ، وَأَخْلِفْ لِي طَارِقِي فِي الْغَائِبِينَ
Truly, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, write for me the reward (for this loss) with You, and grant me a good replacement for the one who has departed.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma uktub lī 'indaka al-'ujra, wa akhlif lī ṭāriqī fīl-ghā'ibīn.
When to Read
This dua is recited when facing a difficult departure, such as the death of a loved one, a friend moving away, or any separation that causes deep sadness. It is an expression of submission to Allah's decree and a request for His comfort and compensation.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heart full of remembrance of Allah. Say 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn' first, acknowledging that everything is from Allah and will return to Him. Then, make the supplication, asking for Allah's reward and a good substitute for what has been lost.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn' is a sign of patience and reliance on Allah during times of hardship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that Allah promises a great reward for those who patiently endure calamities. This specific supplication asks Allah to count the difficulty faced as a source of reward and to bless us with a good replacement, acknowledging our need for His grace in times of loss and separation.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying: 'When a servant is afflicted with calamity and he remembers it as Allah commanded him to, saying: *Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma uktub lī 'indaka al-'ujra, wa akhlif lī ṭāriqī fīl-ghā'ibīn.* (Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we return. O Allah, write for me the reward with Thee, and grant me a good replacement for the one who has departed.) Allah would then do that.' Umm Salamah said: 'When Abu Salamah died, I recited it as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had commanded me, and Allah gave me a better replacement than Abu Salamah (i.e., I married Allah's Messenger ﷺ).'