Qur-anic verses and prophetic supplications for grief, worry, fear and hardship, with sources.
These are verses and supplications for grief, fear, worry and hard times. Several are the very words the Qur-an records prophets saying at their lowest points.
Key points
- "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" is said for any loss, not only a death.
- The Qur-an preserves the words prophets used in distress - Yunus, Ya'qub, and the believers at Uhud.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) had a specific supplication for severe distress (karb).
- Dua is worship; it is not a substitute for practical steps and seeking help.
Practical steps
- On any loss or bad news, say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un".
- Repeat "Hasbuna Llahu wa ni'ma l-wakil" when overwhelmed or afraid.
- In severe distress, say the supplication of karb and "Allahumma rahmataka arju...".
- Take the practical steps available to you and seek help from trustworthy people.
Qur’an
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
“Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return."”
Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:156
When to read: Said on hearing of a death or any loss. Verse 2:157 mentions the blessings and mercy for those who say it.
La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu mina z-zalimin.
“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."”
Surah Al-Anbiya — 21:87 (words of Yunus)
When to read: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said no Muslim supplicates with these words for anything without Allah answering him (Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3505).
...Hasbuna Llahu wa ni'ma l-wakil.
“Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."”
Surah Al Imran — 3:173
When to read: "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs" - said by the believers when told enemies had gathered against them.
Fa-inna ma'a l-'usri yusra. Inna ma'a l-'usri yusra.
“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”
Surah Ash-Sharh — 94:5-6
When to read: Recited to steady the heart: "with hardship comes ease", stated twice.
...wa man yattaqi Llaha yaj'al lahu makhraja. Wa yarzuqhu min haythu la yahtasib.
“And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last day. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.”
Surah At-Talaq — 65:2-3
When to read: A reminder: whoever is mindful of Allah, He makes a way out for them and provides from where they did not expect.
Innama ashku baththi wa huzni ila Llah.
“He said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.”
Surah Yusuf — 12:86 (words of Ya'qub)
When to read: "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah" - said by Ya'qub.
Hadith
La ilaha illa Llahu l-'Azimu l-Halim. La ilaha illa Llahu Rabbu s-samawati wa l-ard, Rabbu l-'Arshi l-'Azim.
There is no god but Allah, the Magnificent, the Forbearing. There is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Mighty Throne.
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6345 .
When to read: The Prophet (peace be upon him) would say this at a time of distress (karb).
Allahumma rahmataka arju, fa-la takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'ayn, wa aslih li sha'ni kullah. La ilaha illa anta.
O Allah, it is Your mercy I hope for, so do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye, and put all my affairs in order. There is no god but You.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 5090 — graded hasan by al-Albani.
When to read: Described in the narration as "the supplications of the distressed one".
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
FAQ
Is it wrong to feel grief or to cry?
No. The Prophet (peace be upon him) wept at the loss of his son and said the eyes weep and the heart grieves, but we say only what pleases our Lord (Sahih al-Bukhari 1303). What is discouraged is wailing and words of despair.
How many times should I repeat these?
There is no fixed count. Repeat them with attention until the heart settles.
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