Illness is a test that every believer faces at some point in their lives, bringing moments of grief, distress, and suffering. Islam teaches us that through patience and seeking Allah’s mercy, we can find both spiritual and physical healing. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that every ailment has a cure, as mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Abu Dawood.
Even in Old age, when no treatment can reverse time, faith and supplication remain sources of comfort. The act of reciting specific duas, such as Surat An-Nas and Surat Al-Falaq, was practiced by Aisha R.A., who would blow over the body of the Prophet ﷺ during his final illness. These acts serve as a reminder that Allah is the ultimate Healer.
When one falls ill, relying solely on medical intervention may not be enough. While visiting a doctor and taking medicine is necessary, turning to Allah through recitation and seeking forgiveness is just as crucial.
The Prophet assured us that even the prick of a thorn or the weight of worry can expiate our sins, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah and Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri. Whether facing mild sickness or severe tribulations, one should never lose belief in Allah’s wisdom.
Engaging in duas, maintaining efforts toward recovery, and remembering that no harm comes without purpose are essential aspects of enduring illness. True mercy lies in knowing that every hardship is an opportunity for purification, leading us closer to the Almighty.
Top 5 Duas For Illness
Dua For Healing
Illness is a test, but through dua, one can find comfort and strength. A well-known hadith, recorded by At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Al-Albani, mentions a powerful supplication for those seeking healing. This authentic prayer, found in the Fortress of the Muslim, is highly recommended to be recited seven times. It confirms that only Allah SWT has the authority to grant a cure, as He is the Mighty Lord of the Throne.
The Arabic supplication is as follows:
أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ
Transliteration: As’al Allah al-‘Azim, Rabb al-‘Arsh al-Azim, yashfiyak
Translation: “I ask Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to heal you.”
This beautiful dua serves as a reminder that true healing comes only from Allah. By reciting it sincerely, one places complete trust in His divine power and mercy.
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Dua For Pain Relief
Illness can be a difficult experience, but through supplication, one can seek relief and protection from Allah. A well-known hadith from Sahih Muslim narrates that Uthman Ibn Abi Al-’As r.a. once complained of pain to the Messenger s.a.w.
The Prophet told him to place his right hand on the area that afflicts him and say “Bismillah” three times. Then, he should repeat the following seven times with sincerity and intention:
أَعُوذُ بِعِزَّةِ اللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ
Transliteration: A’udhu bi’izzatillahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa ‘uhadhiru
Translation: “I seek refuge in the might and power of Allah from the evil of what I am experiencing and what I apprehend.”
This supplication is a strong way to seek healing and should be recited with complete faith. If someone is ill or sick, one may also tell them to say this dua while keeping their hand on the painful spot, trusting in Allah’s mercy.
Dua For Pain and Illness
When someone is facing pain, illness, or suffering, turning to Allahumma, the Lord and Sustainer of mankind, brings healing and protection. The Prophet s.a.w. taught a dua that asks Allah to remove the disease and grant a cure with His mercy. Placing the right hand on the affected area, one should rub it gently and recite the following words with trust in the Healer:
اللَّهُمَّ ربَّ النَّاسِ، أَذْهِب الْبَأسَ، واشْفِ، أَنْتَ الشَّافي لا شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفاءً لا يُغَادِرُ سقَماً
Allaahumma Rabban-naas, azhibil-ba’s, washfi antash-Shaafi laa shifaa’a illaa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadiru saqaman
This dua is a reminder that Allah alone grants healing, and there is no cure except His. The words shifaa’a and shifaa’uka emphasize the completeness of His healing, leaving behind no ailment or saqamaa.
It is a recited supplication from Al-Bukhari, showing how deeply rooted it is in authentic teachings. By placing faith in Allah, seeking His shِفَاءً, and believing in His mercy, one can find relief and hope even in times of great suffering.
Dua For Sickness
During times of illness, it is encouraged to recite a dua for healing. The Prophet s.a.w. taught a beautiful prayer for the sick, asking اللَّهَ for a complete cure. He advised that when visiting people who are unwell, one should supplicate for their recovery.
The Great words of this dua hold immense power, and they should be recited with sincerity. It is also recommended to repeat it seven times, as the Mighty Lord’s mercy knows no limits.
The Prophet s.a.w. said: “He who visits a sick person and supplicates seven times:
أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ
“As’alullahal-‘Azima Rabbal-‘Arshil-‘Azimi an yashfiyaka”
which means: “I beseech اللَّهَ, the Mighty Lord of the Throne, to heal you.” If said with faith, اللَّهَ will grant healing. Even when unable to have close contact during times like COVID-19, one may still recite this dua from a safe distance for those in need.
Dua For Afterlife
One of the best dua for overall well-being is asking Allah for good in both this life and the Hereafter. Scholars mention that such types of supplications are excellent as they surpass worldly benefits and extend to the afterlife. The Lord and Sustainer has taught us a powerful prayer:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Rabbana ‘atinaa fid dunyaa hasanat wafil aakhirati hasana taw wa qinaa azaaban naar”
This dua asks Allah to grant us hasana (goodness) in the world and the aakhirati, while also seeking protection from the Fire of Hell. By reciting this, one seeks not just to receive blessings but also to save oneself from azaaban (punishment).
Seeking Protection from Hardships
In times of sorrow and anxiety, we seek refuge in Allah from the burdens that weigh us down. The dua recorded in Al-Bukhari is a powerful supplication for those facing afflictions, whether it be weakness, cowardice, or the burden of debts. The Prophet (SWT) taught us to call upon Allah with sincerity, asking for relief from hardships.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
This dua reminds us to trust in Allah’s mercy when feeling overpowered by men or struggling with laziness and miserliness. The weight of life’s challenges, whether physical or emotional, can be lifted through sincere prayers. We turn to Allah, asking for protection from the trials that test our patience and faith.
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Dua for Good Health
Good health is one of the greatest blessings, and seeking help from Allah for our body, sight, and hearing is essential. The Prophet (pbuh) used to say a special dua for soundness every morning and evening, asking for well-being in his body and senses. This dua was transmitted by Abu Bakr and recorded by Dawud. It is a powerful supplication that can also aid in curing ailments like headaches.
اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَدَنِي اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي سَمْعِي اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَصَرِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Allahumma ‘afini fi badani, Allahumma ‘afini fi sam’i, Allahumma ‘afini fi basari, La ilaha illa Anta
This means: “O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve my hearing. O Allah, preserve my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You.” Repeating this three times daily strengthens faith and reminds us to seek protection and wellness.
Dua for Preserving from Anguish
When facing anguish and difficulties in life, turning to Allah through dua brings comfort. The Prophet (pbuh) taught supplications that ask for forgiveness, protection, and well-being in both dunya and al-akhirah. A comprehensive dua recorded in hadith seeks pardon, ease, and relief from hardship:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَاىَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي
By making this dua, a person seeks well-being in religion, family, and wealth, asking God to veil weaknesses and bring peace. This supplication covers everything concerning a believer’s affairs in life and the next world. It reminds us to rely on Allah for both spiritual and worldly protection while hoping for relief from dismay.
Qamar Ul Haq is an Islamic historian and writer with a passion for uncovering the rich heritage of Muslim civilizations. Through in-depth research and storytelling, He brings to life the achievements, struggles, and contributions of the Ummah throughout history.