Dua & Sunnah

Dua for the Sick: Seeking Comfort in Allah During Difficult Diagnoses

Sickness
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 5743

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ، أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove this illness, heal (him/her); You are the Healer, there is no healing but Your healing, a healing that leaves no disease behind.

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Allaahumma Rabban-naas, adh-hibil-ba's, ishfi Antash-Shaafi, laa shifaa'a illaa shifaa'uka, shifaa'an laa yughaadiru saqamaa.

When to Read

This powerful dua is meant for anyone facing sickness, especially when receiving a difficult diagnosis. It can be recited by the sick person themselves, or by their loved ones on their behalf. It's particularly comforting to turn to this dua when feeling overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty about the illness, reminding us that ultimate healing comes from Allah alone. Recite it with sincerity and focus when you or someone you care about is unwell and facing challenging news about their health.

How to Read

Begin with the Tasmiyah (Bismillah). Recite this dua with a sincere heart, directing your plea to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). It is recommended to place your hand on the area of pain or illness while reciting, if possible. Raise your hands in supplication as you would for other duas. Believe firmly in Allah's power to heal, and remember that He is the Ultimate Healer. This dua can be recited multiple times a day, especially after each obligatory prayer.

Virtues & Benefits

This dua encapsulates the core of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) in seeking healing. By calling Allah 'Rabbun-Naas' (Lord of mankind), we acknowledge His dominion over all people and all matters, including health and illness. Asking Him to 'adh-hibil-ba's' (remove the suffering) and 'ishfi' (heal) directly petitions the Creator. The phrase 'laa shifaa'a illaa shifaa'uka' (there is no healing but Your healing) is a profound statement of reliance and trust, acknowledging that no doctor or medicine can heal without Allah's permission. Finally, 'shifaa'an laa yughaadiru saqamaa' (a healing that leaves no disease behind) expresses the hope for complete and permanent recovery, a testament to the power of Allah's mercy. Reciting this dua strengthens faith, brings peace to the heart during difficult times, and actively seeks Allah's divine intervention for recovery.

Source & Authentication

Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: When any of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went to visit a sick person, he would pray for him by saying: 'O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove this illness, heal (him/her); You are the Healer, there is no healing but Your healing, a healing that leaves no disease behind.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5743)
Sahih HadithSahih al-Bukhari 5743
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