إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْنِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. O Allah, reward me in this calamity and compensate me with something better than it.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn. Allāhumma'jurnī fī muṣībatī wa'akhlifnī khayran minhā.
When to Read
This profound statement and dua are uttered by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he was informed about the death of his daughter Zainab. It is the most fitting response for a parent facing the devastating loss of a child, or indeed any great loss. It should be said sincerely and from the heart at the moment the news is received and repeated during times of grief and remembrance.
How to Read
Recite this with deep sincerity, acknowledging the immense trial. The first part, 'Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji'ūn,' is a declaration of faith and acceptance of Allah's decree, reminding us that everything is from Him and will return to Him. The second part is a direct plea to Allah for comfort and a better substitute, acknowledging that His plan, even in hardship, is ultimately for our good.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the essence of sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust) in Allah. By reciting it, the believer affirms their faith in the face of extreme hardship, seeking Allah's reward for their patience. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promised that whoever says this when afflicted by a calamity, Allah will grant them reward for it and give them in exchange something better.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: "There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and says, by the command of Allah: 'Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. O Allah, reward me in this calamity and compensate me with something better than it,' but Allah will compensate him with something better than it." Umm Salamah said: "When Abu Salamah died, I uttered these words as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had commanded me, and Allah compensated me with something better than Abu Salamah (meaning, she was married to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).