The Reward of “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un”

Life is filled with moments of joy and sorrow, and for Muslims, finding solace in faith is paramount. The phrase “إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ” “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and offers comfort during times of hardship. This expression is a reminder of the temporary nature of life and our ultimate return to our Creator. It is often recited when faced with loss or calamity, serving as a testament to a Muslim’s faith and submission to the will of Allah. By understanding its meaning and significance, Muslims can better cope with life’s challenges and grow spiritually. Also read the reward of saying Alhamdulillah.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Meaning

The phrase Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un in arabic “إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ” translates to “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.” Every Muslim should remind three beliefs hidden in this phrase:

We are Servant of Allah

The phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” is an acknowledgment, both by tongue and heart, that we belong to Allah. We are His servants and His creation. Therefore, we must fully accept and be content with our Master’s decisions. We belong to Allah, and whatever He has taken from us was His from the beginning. No one has the right to speak against Him.

We will Return to Allah

Secondly, it is a declaration that we will return to Allah. Therefore, we will receive the reward for everything we lose or that passes away. This reward is far superior and more valuable than the trivial things of this world that cause us grief when they are lost. The separation from our loved ones and children who have passed away is only temporary. Wherever they have gone, we too will go. Insha’Allah.

All Calamities are Temporary

The root of all human sorrows and griefs lies in the belief that our beloved possessions truly belong to us. However, once the mind is freed from this common misconception and we recognize that nothing is truly ours, the pain of losing those beloved things diminishes. Major sorrows and shocks are temporary; nothing is permanent, and everything will eventually return to its Owner. When we reach the hereafter, we will be compensated for everything we lost.

The stronger these three beliefs are, the more patient and peaceful a person will feel.

Significance of Saying “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”

Saying this phrase “Inna lillahi” is not just about words. The practice of reciting this phrase can bring immense spiritual rewards and personal growth:

Compensation for Loss

It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever recites ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ during a calamity, Allah will compensate them for their loss, improve their Hereafter, and give them something better in place of what was lost.” [Anwarul Bayan: 1/258]

Better Reward in Exchange

It is narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“When faced with a calamity, my Ummah has been given a supplication that was not given to any previous nations.” whoever recites this supplication during a calamity, Allah will grant them a better reward in exchange for their loss.

Three Big Rewards for Reciter

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that:

“When a believer entrusts their affairs to Allah during a calamity and recites ‘inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun,’ Allah grants them three rewards: forgiveness for the person, the descent of Allah’s mercy upon them, and guidance to the straight path. [Fath al-Bari: 3/173]

A Gift for this Ummah

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“My Ummah has been given a phrase that was not given to any previous nations; this phrase is reciting ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ at the time of calamity.” [Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir])

Dua for Anxiety and Sorrow

This profound phrase is derived from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156) in the Quran. Historically, it has been a part of Islamic tradition, and declared a dua for hardship providing comfort and strength to Muslims in tough times. Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair narrated that:

“This powerful dua was not given to any previous nations during times of hardship. If it had been given, Prophet Yaqoob would have recited it during his separation from Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), his son, and would not have said, “Oh, my sorrow for Yusuf” (يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ).” [Mazhari: 1/266]

Dua for Patience

Patience (sabr) and submission to Allah’s will are central themes in Islam. Reciting “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” as a dua for patience, reinforces the importance of accepting Allah’s decree with patience. It is a way to acknowledge that everything happens by His divine wisdom, even if we do not immediately understand it.

Application in Daily Life and Coping with Grief

Incorporating “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” into daily life can significantly impact how we handle grief and adversity. Here are practical ways to apply this phrase:

Recite it with Tongue and by Heart

Patience is a state of the heart, and reciting this phrase with the tongue strengthens this state. Scholars have described three levels of reciting and acting upon this verse:

1. The meanings of the verse are firmly imprinted in the heart, and the words are spoken aloud.
2. The meanings are present in the heart, but the words are not spoken.
3. The meanings are not present in the heart, but the words are spoken aloud.

Anything beyond these levels is hypocrisy, and such a person is not truly among the believers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would utter this phrase even for minor discomforts, and the Companions followed this practice as well.

During Personal Loss

When experiencing the loss of a loved one, reciting this phrase can provide comfort and remind you that they have returned to Allah. It helps in accepting the reality of life and death. Secondly, we will receive the better reward for everything we lose or that passes away. This reward is far superior and more valuable than the previous one.

Hazrat Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say, “Whenever a Muslim faces a calamity and recites ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ and then says, ‘O Allah! Reward me in my affliction and replace it with something better,’ Allah will indeed compensate them with something better.” She experienced this firsthand when her husband passed away, and she later married the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Facing Everyday Challenges

Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major setback, saying “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” can help keep things in perspective. It encourages patience and resilience.

Once, the lamp of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went out, and he recited “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.” When asked if this was also a calamity, he replied, “Yes, and anything that distresses a believer is a calamity, and there is a reward for it.” [Al-Durr Al-Manthur]

This teaches us that no matter how small the distress, reciting this phrase can bring comfort and reward.

Conclusion

The phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” is a powerful tool for Muslims to find peace and strength during difficult times. By understanding its meaning, historical significance, and spiritual benefits, we can better integrate it into our lives and support others in doing the same.

Reflect on how you can incorporate this phrase into your daily practices. Consider sharing its benefits with others and using it as a source of comfort and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. May we all find peace in our faith and the strength to face whatever comes our way.