اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيِـنَا وَأَمِتْـنَا وَإِلَـيْكَ النُّشُورُ
O Allah, grant us life, and grant us death, and to You is the return (and resurrection).
Allahumma ahya-na wa amittana wa ilaykan-nushoor
When to Read
This supplication is a general plea to Allah for well-being, encompassing life and death, and acceptance of His decree. While not specific to locusts or pests, a sincere invocation like this, coupled with practical measures, can be a source of protection. During times of pestilence or natural disasters like locust swarms, turning to Allah with heartfelt du'a is a core aspect of our faith. We can also recite general supplications for safety and well-being, asking Allah to avert harm from us and our crops.
How to Read
This dua is recited with sincerity and conviction. It's about acknowledging Allah's complete control over all matters, including life, death, and the sustenance that nourishes us. When facing threats like locusts, one should raise their hands (if appropriate) and supplicate with a humble heart, seeking Allah's mercy and protection for themselves, their families, and their livelihoods.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful du'a encapsulates a profound submission to Allah's will. By asking for both life and death, and acknowledging that the final return is to Him, we express our complete reliance and trust. This attitude of tawakkul (reliance on Allah) is a source of immense strength and peace. When we sincerely turn to Allah in times of hardship, seeking His protection from calamities like locusts that can devastate crops and economies, we are actively seeking His divine intervention. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to supplicate for all our needs, big and small, recognizing that true protection and provision come only from Allah.
Source & Authentication
The full hadith context for this specific phrase is about a group of Companions asking the Prophet ﷺ what they should say. He ﷺ taught them this general but comprehensive supplication to recite in their mornings and evenings: 'Allahumma bika asbahna wa bika amsayna, wa bika nahya, wa bika namootu, wa ilayka an-nushoor. Allahumma bika asbahna wa bika amsayna, wa bika nahya, wa bika namootu, wa ilayka al-madeer. Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hatha al-yawm barya wa fay'ahu wa nasrahu wa noorahu wa barakatahu wa hudahu, wa a'udhu bika min sharri hatha al-yawm wa sharri ma ba'dahu.' 'O Allah, by You we have reached the morning, and by You we reach the evening. By You we live, and by You we die, and to You is the return (and resurrection). O Allah, by You we have reached the morning, and by You we reach the evening. By You we live, and by You we die, and to You is the destination. O Allah, I ask You for the good of this day, its victories, its aid, its light, its blessings, and its guidance, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this day and the evil of what comes after it.' (Sahih Muslim 110)