What’s the Meaning of “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un” (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون)?

Meaning of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un (Istirja)

It means “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.” “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,” also known as the Istirja, is a dua from the second surah of the Quran. Muslims recite this phrase after a time of hardship to remind themselves that Allah will not test them any more than they can bear. It’s also a phrase recited after someone dies. “Inna” means “indeed” or “surely,” “li-llahi” is “we belong to Allah,” “wa” means “and,” ilayhi is “towards him,” and rajioon or raji’un means “will return.” Arabic translation: إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون Urdu translation: بے شک ہم اللہ کیلئے ہیں اور ہمیں اسی کی طرف لوٹنا ہے۔ Tamil translation: நாம் அல்லாஹ்வுக்கே உரியவர்கள், அவனிடமே திரும்புவோம்

Significance of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

This dua comes from the Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran. The phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” comes from the holy Quran, which says to recite this line after someone dies or is affected by something disastrous. “We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.” They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are rightly guided.” (2:155-157)

When to Say Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

Say the Istirja when you hear that someone has passed away. When a loved one passes away into the next world, repeating this dua is a reminder that we all belong to Allah, and that we, too, will all eventually pass away. Them: “My father passed away last night.”You: “Ina lilah waina allah rajiun, I’m sorry for your loss.” Them: “I just heard that our old teacher left this life.”You: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon, how did she pass?” It’s permissible to say “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” when a non-believer or animal passes on because it’s a reminder of the power of Allah and your faith in Him.

Repeat the Istirja to someone who is sick or dying. Umm Salamah reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, ‘When a person suffers from a calamity and utters: 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. Allahumma ujurni fi musibati, wakhluf li khairan minha’, then Allah surely compensates him with reward and better substitute.’” (Book 6, Hadith 921) This hadith is in the Book of Visiting the Sick, and the phrase is typically uttered in front of a sick or dying person and their family. In English, this phrase says, “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. O Allah! Compensate me in my affliction, recompense my loss and give me something better in exchange for it.”

Recite the Istirja when you or someone else experiences hardship. The Quran says that those who say “inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” after experiencing fear, famine, or loss of property or crops will get Allah’s compassion and protection in response. It’s a reminder to stay patient, and that Allah won’t throw anything at you that He doesn’t think you can handle. “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon, I heard your house was destroyed by the flood. Is there any way I can help?” “I lost my job and my rent is due next week, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon.”

Utter this phrase when something inconvenient happens. Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, “When the thong of someone’s sandal breaks he should say, ‘We belong to God and to Him do we return,' for it is one of the calamities.” (Book 5, Hadith 21). The Istirja reminds you to be patient and ask Allah for every need, even if it’s minor. “Ina lilah waina allah rajiun! My shoelaces came untied, hold on.” “Why is the internet so low this morning? Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji un.”

How to Respond to Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

Thank the other person for sharing the dua. Whether it’s after the death of a loved one or a recent tragedy, a simple “thank you” can be an appropriate way to respond. If the other person is also affected by loss, you can also say something like “This must be hard for you too.” Them: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon, my mom told me what happened to your daughter. I’m sorry for your loss.”You: “Thank you.” Them: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un, this war has been happening for too long.”You: “Thank you, I know this must be difficult for you, too. Is your sister okay?”

Say “Allah yerham” if someone you loved has passed on. When another person says the Istirja to you when a loved one has passed away, it may be appropriate to say “Allah yerhamo” or “Allah yerhama,” which translates to “Allah bless him/her” or “Allah have mercy on him/her.” Them: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon, I heard about your brother. I’m sorry.”You: “Allah yerhamo, we’re taking it one day at a time.” Them: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon, I’m so sorry about your cousin. She was a great person.”You: “Thank you, Allah yerhama. I miss her every day.”

Reply with this hadith if the other person is experiencing the loss, too. When a Muslim dies, they can’t perform good acts to increase their chances of being rewarded with Jannah in the hereafter. Repeating this hadith shows your love and patience for those who have returned to Allah, and reminds others that they can still commit good acts for them. “Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.” (Book 12, Hadith 8)