When and How to Say inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon Correctly

Narrated by Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها she said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “No servant who is struck by a calamity and says: ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ except that Allah will reward him for his calamity and grant him something better than it.”

Many people know it simply as the statement recited when hearing about someone’s death, but its meaning and depth extend far beyond condolences. We will explore the meaning  of this powerful phrase and understand when and how to say inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon  with historical examples of this powerful phrase.

The Meaning and Significance of inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon

The phrase inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon originates from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156), where Allah describes the qualities of the patient believers:

“Give good news to those who patiently endure—who say, when struck by a disaster: inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘oon.”

The meaning of inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ is: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we return.”

And the explanation is: “Give glad tidings, O Muhammad, of immense mercy and abundant grace to those patient believers whose qualities include that when a calamity befalls them—whether affecting themselves, their wealth, their children, or anything else—they say, with their tongues and their hearts, in complete submission to Allah’s decree and full acceptance of His destiny:

‘Indeed, we belong to Allah’ — : we belong to Allah in ownership and servitude, and the Owner has full authority over His property; He turns it from one state to another as He wills.

‘And indeed, to Him we shall return’ — : we will ultimately return to Him on the Day of Resurrection, and He will reward us for the patience and submission He commanded us to uphold when hardships descend—hardships that we have no power to repel.

So, the significance of “Al-Istirja”- which is the saying- إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ is:

–  ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah’ is an affirmation of servitude and divine ownership to the Lord of all worlds.

– ‘And indeed, to Him we shall return’ is an affirmation of the reality of resurrection, accountability, reward, and punishment on the Day of Judgment.

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When and How to Recite inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon

The phrase “inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon” is said whenever a person is struck by a calamity—whether it is the loss of a loved one, a painful incident, or any kind of hardship or affliction. This expression is not limited to death; rather, it applies to all worldly trials.

This includes:

• losing a job
• financial loss
• sudden illness
• car accidents
• emotional distress
• damage to property
• any unexpected hardship
• even for small lose such as losing your wallet or phone

Scholars state that a Muslim should hasten to say this phrase immediately when the calamity occurs, as the Prophet ﷺ said in his hadith:

 “True patience is at the first shock of the calamity.” (Reported by al-Bukhari).

This means that expressing submission and patience at the very first moments of a hardship carries a greater reward than saying it later.

Spiritual Comfort Through Saying inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon

Al-Qurtubi said in his commentary about this phrase:
“Allah has made these words a refuge for those afflicted by calamities and a protection for those tested, because of the blessed meanings they contain.”

This means that saying this phrase grants the believer comfort and brings him reward, and Allah will grant him goodness that compensates for the calamity that has befallen him.

So, this phrase is a profound spiritual tool that brings comfort in moments of sadness as it is a promise from Allah to Muslims as mentioned in this hadith:

Narrated by Abu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “I heard a statement from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that brought me great joy. He said:

‘No Muslim is struck by a calamity, and then practices istirjāʿ at the time of his calamity and says: O Allah, reward me for my calamity and grant me something better than it, except that Allah will indeed grant him that.’”

 

Stories from Islamic History Showing the Use of This Du‘a

Islamic history is filled with stories showing how deeply this phrase was embedded in the hearts of the righteous as following:

Imam Ahmad narrated from Abu Sinan who said: “I buried one of my sons. While I was in the grave, Abu Talhah (meaning Al-Khawlani) took my hand and brought me out, and said to me:

‘Shall I give you good news?’ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Al-Dhahhak ibn Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Arzib narrated to me from Abu Musa, who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah said: O Angel of Death, have you taken the child of My servant? Have you taken the delight of his eyes and the fruit of his heart?” He said: ‘Yes.’ Allah said: ‘What did he say?’ He replied: ‘He praised You and said istirjāʿ.’ Allah said: ‘Build him a house in Paradise and call it the House of Praise.’”’

Another story:

Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘No servant is struck by a calamity and says: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. O Allah, reward me for my calamity and grant me something better in return”, except that Allah will reward him for his calamity and grant him something better than it.’” She said: “When Abu Salamah passed away, I said as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ instructed me, and Allah granted me something better than him: the Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself.”

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Guidance from Ulum Al-Azhar Academy on Expressing Condolences

The Ulum Al-Azhar Academy provides Muslims with sound guidance and support to accompany them when facing hardships, such as:

1. Begin With the Sunnah Words: The most authentic expression of condolence is: “inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon.

2. Avoid Un-Islamic Phrases:  This includes phrases that question destiny or express excessive dismay. 

3. Offer Practical Support: Islam encourages comforting the grieving family emotionally and materially. Preparing food for them, assisting with responsibilities, or simply being present for emotional support are all acts of reward.

4. Avoid Lengthy or Theatrical Expressions: Exaggerated displays of sorrow, poetic lamentations, or dramatic language contradict the calm composure encouraged in Islam. 

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Conclusion

The phrase “inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon” is not merely a set of words recited in moments of calamity. Rather, it is an expression of the deeply rooted belief in a Muslim’s heart that he belongs to Allah and that everything in this world occurs by Allah’s decree and wisdom.

It serves as a refuge for the believer in times of trial and is a sign of acceptance and patience. This phrase appears in the Qur’an and the Sunnah to be a guiding light for Muslims in facing hardships, and it is a promise from Allah of glad tidings, guidance, and mercy for those who say it sincerely and remain patient with what befalls them.

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FAQs

What is the meaning of inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon?

It means “We belong to Allah, and to Him we return.” It expresses acceptance and patience in times of loss.

Is inna lillahi wa in allah-e-rajioon only said when someone dies?

No. It is recommended for any calamity—small or large.

Can I say it when losing something material like money or belongings?

Yes, this is perfectly valid and was practiced by early Muslims.

Does reciting the phrase bring reward?

Yes. The Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever says it and prays for something better, Allah grants them something better.