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Among the most profound and comforting phrases in Islam is إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un). Commonly recited during moments of loss or calamity, it carries a deep spiritual meaning that reminds believers of our ultimate return to Allah. Many people seek to understand the Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un meaning, its context in the Quran, and .when it should be recited.
In this discussion, we will explore the translation, transliteration, virtues, and explanation of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un, including its usage beyond death, as well as the related duas for demise.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Allah e Rajioon Text
For those searching for the Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Allah e Rajioon text to read, copy, or share:
Arabic Text:
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Roman English:
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
Urdu Script:
إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
This short but powerful statement serves as the death dua and also a dua of patience in times of loss.
How to Write Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Allah e Rajioon
If you want to know how to write Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Allah e Rajioon, here are the formats:
- In Arabic:
- إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
- In Roman English:
- Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
- In Urdu:
- إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
When typing online, Muslims often use the roman English form for convenience, but when possible, it’s best to use the Arabic text as it preserves the original form from the Quran.
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Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un in Arabic and English
The phrase in Arabic is:
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
In roman English, it is written as:
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
Translation:
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
This statement is a declaration of belief, humility, and acceptance of Allah’s decree.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un in the Quran
The phrase is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 156
الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’”
This verse highlights the virtue of
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
it is a statement of patience and submission when facing trials
Explanation of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
Breaking it down
- Inna (إِنَّا) – “Indeed we” or “Surely we” (Inna meaning: emphasis on certainty)
- Lillahi (لِلّهِ) – “Belong to Allah”
- Wa Inna (وَإِنَّا) – “And indeed we”
- Ilayhi (إِلَيْهِ) – “To Him”
- Raji’un (رَاجِعونَ) – “Will return” (Raji’un meaning in English: those who are returning)
The phrase reminds Muslims that life is temporary, and everything we have is entrusted to us by Allah. Our lives, possessions, and loved ones all belong to Him, and one day, we will return to Him.
Death Dua (Demise Dua) in Arabic and English
When hearing news of death, Muslims are encouraged to recite this phrase as it is considered the death ki dua or inteqal dua:
Arabic: إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Meaning in English: “Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
This death dua meaning reflects acceptance of Allah’s will and serves as a prayer for the deceased.
Where to Recite Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
Many assume that inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un is only for death. However, according to the Quranic verse, it should be recited whenever a person faces a calamity, loss, or difficulty — not only upon hearing of someone’s demise.
Examples include:
- Upon hearing about someone’s death
- When losing wealth or possessions
- During illness or injury
- Any moment of personal hardship
Is Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un Only for Death
No. While it is most commonly recited upon someone’s passing, its usage extends to any misfortune or challenging moment. By reciting it, a believer acknowledges that everything belongs to Allah, and every situation is part of His divine plan.
The Virtue of إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Reciting this phrase during trials holds great rewards. It is an act of sabr (patience) and iman (faith). Allah promises glad tidings and mercy for those who respond to calamity with this declaration.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:157) continues
“They are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is they who will be guided.”
Related Islamic Concepts – Ilahi Name Meaning
The word Ilahi (إلهي) means “My God” or “O Allah” in Arabic. It is often used in duas (supplications) as an address to Allah, showing closeness and direct plea for help or mercy.
Additional Death Duas in Arabic
Apart from Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un, the Prophet ﷺ taught other duas for the deceased:
- اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ
Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu – “O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him.” - اللَّهُمَّ اجعلْ قبرَهُ روضةً من رياضِ الجنة
Allahumma aj‘al qabrahu rawdatam min riyadil-jannah – “O Allah, make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”
Conclusion
The phrase Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un is more than a statement for grief — it is a declaration of faith, patience, and surrender to Allah’s will. Whether said upon hearing of a death, facing loss, or enduring hardship, it serves as a reminder of our temporary worldly existence and our inevitable return to Allah.
Let us not limit its recitation to moments of death alone, but incorporate it into our lives whenever we face challenges, keeping in mind its Quranic context and the virtue of expressing reliance on Allah.