When a Muslim hears news of a death or witnesses someone passing away, Islam teaches us to respond immediately with Istirja' (affirming that all belongs to Allah) and offering prayers of forgiveness for the deceased.
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Allahummaghfir lahu warhamh.
Indeed, we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we will return. O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him.
Quran/Hadith — The Holy Quran — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156
Authenticity: Quranic verse
Meaning and Explanation
The statement acknowledges Allah's absolute ownership over all creation, confirms the reality of the Hereafter, and seeks divine mercy for the soul of the departed.
When to Recite
Immediately upon hearing news of a death, when attending a funeral, or when offering condolences to the bereaved family.
How to Recite
Recite Istirja' calmly. Adjust pronouns when the deceased is female ('laha warhamha') or when praying for a group.
Important Notes
The core phrase is from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156). According to Sunnah, one may also recite the full supplication: 'Allahumma'jurni fi musibati wa akhlif li khayran minha'.
Benefits
Brings spiritual peace during shock, grants forgiveness to the deceased, and earns massive rewards for demonstrating patience (Sabr).
Additional Duas
Content type: Quran/Hadith
Tags:
dua when someone dies
death dua
condolence dua
inna lillahi
janazah supplication
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to say to the grieving family: 'Inna lillahi ma akhadha wa lahu ma a'ta wa kullun 'indahu bi-ajalin musamma, faltasbir waltahtasib' (Indeed, to Allah belongs what He took, and to Him belongs what He gave, and everything with Him has an appointed time; so be patient and seek reward), recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari (1284).
Reciting it reminds the soul that life, wealth, and loved ones are trusts from Allah, and returning to Him is the ultimate reality for every human being.