اللَّهُمَّ رَادَّ الضَّالَّةِ، وَهَادِيَ الضَّالَّةِ، اهْدِنِي عَلَى ضَالَّتِي، رُدَّ عَلَيَّ ضَالَّتِي بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَسُلْطَانِكَ، فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَعَطَائِكَ.
O Allah, who restores the lost and guides the astray, guide me to my lost item, and return my lost item to me by Your power and Your might, for it is from Your grace and Your giving.
Allahumma raddad-dallah, wa hadiyad-dallah, ihdini 'ala dallati, rudda 'alayya dallati bi-qudratika wa sultanik, fa innaha min fadlik wa 'ata'ik.
When to Read
Recite this dua specifically when you realize an item is missing, especially while traveling. The urgency of travel often means our belongings are more vulnerable to being misplaced, and this dua is tailored for such moments of distress. Say it with sincerity as soon as you notice something is gone.
How to Read
Begin by making ablution (wudu) if possible, though it's not strictly required for this dua. Face the Qiblah if you can. Raise your hands in supplication, palms facing upwards. Recite the dua with a clear intention of finding your lost item and with firm belief that Allah (SWT) is capable of returning it. Speak clearly and with a humble, earnest tone. After reciting, you might gently pat your chest or head as a sign of seeking Allah's help and expressing your need.
Virtues & Benefits
This specific dua carries the immense benefit of seeking Allah's direct intervention in returning what has been lost. It acknowledges Allah as the ultimate Restorer and Guide, reinforcing our reliance on Him. By calling upon His attributes ('Raddad-dallah' - The Restorer of the lost, 'Hadiyad-dallah' - The Guide of the astray), we are essentially reminding Him of His own perfect nature and asking Him to manifest that in our situation. This act itself is a form of worship and strengthens our connection with the Creator, especially during times of minor hardship like losing an item.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Abdullah bin 'Amr said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'If any of you loses something in the land of the enemy, then he should not call out to it, O people, lost item! But he should call out: O Allah, Your servant has lost his property (or something similar), so do not let him be deprived of it.' Then he said: 'O Allah, Restore to me my lost property.' (In another narration) 'O Allah, the Restorer of the lost, the Guide of the astray, guide me to my lost property by Your power and Your might, for it is from Your grace and Your giving.'