Life is full of hardship and moments of unease, testing both our mental and physical strength. When facing illness, we often seek ways to heal and find relief. In such times, turning to prayers and du’a can bring not only recovery but also a sense of peace.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many verses from the Quran and hadith that contain powerful supplications for those in distress. His companions also recite these prayers to find comfort during difficulties.
Through these blessed words, we can feel closer to Allah, knowing that every challenge is a test and an opportunity for spiritual growth.
The Holy Quran and Sunnah provide us with guidance on how to ask for God’s intervention in times of sickness. There are various duas that can be used to seek a cure and maintain overall well-being.
The translation of these Arabic supplications reminds us of the mercy and wisdom of our beloved Creator. Whether it’s a simple prayer or a heartfelt plea, each word carries the power to uplift the soul.
It is in these moments of adversity that we truly learn to remember and trust in Allah, knowing that He alone can bring true healing.
The BEST Dua For Illness
Illness and pain are part of life, but seeking relief through dua is one of the most effective ways to find comfort. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often recited supplications for healing and encouraged others to do the same. It is recommended to place the right hand on the affected area and ask the Lord for a cure.
One of the most powerful duas comes from Sahih Muslim and Al-Bukhari, where he sought protection from disease and asked for complete recovery. The translation of this Arabic supplication reminds us that there is no healing but Your healing, O Healer, and that true relief comes from Allah’s ultimate power.
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ ، أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ ، واشْفِ ، أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ ، شِفَاءً لا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
This supplication is an appeal to remove suffering and seek shifa that leaves no disease behind. Alongside dua, medical treatment, natural remedies, and Qur’anic verses are also ways to support recovery.
Aisha r.a. narrated that the Prophet used this dua for his companions during times of difficulty and sustenance. This teaches us to affirm our faith in Allah and acknowledge that only He can truly sustain us through illness and harm.
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Du’a when visiting the sick
When visiting someone who is sick, it is a beautiful practice to offer comforting words and make du’a for their purification and healing. Prophet (PBUH) would reassure the ill by reminding them that their suffering could cleanse them of sins if Allah wills. He recited these powerful words:
لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
This translation means: “No harm, (it will be a) purification, if Allah wills.” The transliteration of this supplication is La ba’sa tahurun insha’Allah, a simple yet profound reminder that illness is not just a trial but also a means of spiritual renewal.
Du’a for health recovery
Healing is a gift from Allah, the Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. Seeking help through ruqyah and reciting from the Qur’an has been practiced since the time of the Prophet (PBUH).
It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that a companion once recited Surah Al-Fatiha over a scorpion bite, and by the will of Allah, the person was cured. When the Prophet (PBUH) heard this, he smiled and asked, “How did you know it was ruqyah?” This shows the deep spiritual power of turning to Allah in times of hardship.
One of the most well-known supplications for healing is found in Surah Al-Fatiha, also known as the Straight Path to guidance. It begins with Bismillah, followed by:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
This verse reminds us that Allah is the Master and the Lord of all worlds, the one who guides those He has blessed. By sincerely calling upon Him, we seek healing and protection from becoming astray or among those with whom He is displeased.
Reciting this with conviction can bring peace and serve as a powerful means of seeking recovery.
Du’a for Good Health
Taking care of one’s physical health is a blessing that should not be taken for granted. The Prophet (PBUH) highly recommended reciting a du’a for well-being every morning and evening.
This supplication asks Allah to preserve the body, hearing, and sight, ensuring good health. It is advised to recite this du’a three times, sincerely asking for strength and protection.
اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في بَدَنـي ، اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في سَمْـعي ، اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في بَصَـري ، لا إلهَ إلاّ أَنْـتَ
This means: “O Allah, make me healthy in my body, keep my hearing safe, and protect my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You.” This du’a serves as a reminder that good health is a gift from Allah, and only He has the power to grant it.
Du’a to cure illness
It is a Sunnah to recite the three Quls—Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Falaq, and Surah an-Nas—three times in the morning and evening, three times before sleeping, once after each Salāh, and when feeling sick.
Before reciting each Surah, say Bismillah and then read the following:
Surah al-Ikhlas
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a powerful chapter of the Qur’an that highlights the oneness of Allah and His unmatched greatness. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized its importance, saying that reciting it brings immense reward and blessings.
This Surah strengthens faith, offering peace and a deep connection with Allah. It reminds us that He is the Self-Sufficient Master, free from birth and beyond comparison, as stated in:
قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ أَحَدٌ ، اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُ ، لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُوْلَدْ ، وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
By reciting it sincerely, one affirms one’s belief in the absolute oneness of Allah, gaining divine protection and strengthening the heart with unwavering faith. No one is equal to Him, and through this chapter, we recognize His unmatched greatness.
Surah al-Falaq
One of the most powerful ways to seek protection from evil is through Surah al-Falaq, which asks Rab to guard against harm. This transliteration of the Surah carries deep meaning, urging believers to say these words sincerely:
قُلْ أَعُوْذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ، مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
Reciting this Surah at daybreak and before the darkening night settles helps ward off the enviers and the blowers who tie knots to cause harm. It reminds us that He alone provides true safety from what He created, including hidden dangers.
The translation reveals that we seek refuge from the harm of ghāsiqin idhā waqab, the darkness, and those who bring ḥasad upon others.
Surah an-Nas
Surah an-Nas is a powerful supplication for seeking protection from harm. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would often recite this Surah whenever he felt sick or unwell.
It is narrated in Hadith that A’ishah (RA) mentioned how the Prophet (PBUH), during his last illness, would blow over his own body after reciting the three final Surahs of the Qur’an.
When his sickness grew intense, she took his own hands and used them to recite and blow over him, believing in their blessings. This practice was not limited to him alone—whenever anyone in his family fell ill, he would recite these Surahs over them for protection.
قُلْ أَعُوْذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ، مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ، إِلٰهِ النَّاسِ ، مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ، اَلَّذِيْ يُوَسْوِسُ فِيْ صُدُوْرِ النَّاسِ ، مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ
This Surah seeks refuge in the Lord and King of mankind from the whisperer who withdraws, planting evil thoughts in the hearts of people. It warns against hidden dangers that may come from both Jinn and humans.
In Bukhari and Muslim, it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized its importance in healing. To follow his example, one should recite it regularly—especially in times of illness—to seek the protection of Allah.
Dua For Protection From Illness
Illness can bring discomfort and weakness, but through dua, a person can find refuge in Allah and seek healing. One powerful dua for protection is:
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من زوال نعمتك وتحول عافيتك وفجاءة نقمتك وجميع سخطك
Transliteration: Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min zawal ni’matika wa tahawwuli ‘afiyatika wa fujaa’ati niqmatika wa jami’i sakhatika.
This dua asks Allah to grant well-being, safeguard health, and prevent harm or sudden punishment. It is often recited when feeling unwell, visiting the sick, or thinking of someone suffering.
Through this supplication, one seeks protection from affliction, the loss of blessings, and any transformation that may lead to suffering. May Allah keep them safe and in good health.
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Dua for Purification
لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Illness can be a difficult test, but it is also a means of purification if one remains patient. The Prophet (PBUH) taught a dua that reassures those suffering from sickness.
It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim that he would say these words to comfort the ill, reminding them that sickness can be a source of hope and a way for Allah to grant forgiveness. Whether someone is experiencing headaches, mental distress, or physical pain, this supplication serves as a reminder that healing comes by the will of God.
This authentic dua can be recited when visiting someone unwell, offering them words of encouragement. It helps to reassure the heart and provide patience during difficult times. If it is the will of Allah, sickness will be lifted, and complete recovery will be granted.
The ill person should believe that their hardship is not in vain, but actually an act of purification. Islam teaches that challenges come from Allah and should be met with faith, knowing that healing and help shall come by His mercy.
Dua for Protection from Severe Illness
Illness can be a test, but through prayer, one can seek relief and protection. A powerful supplication that seeks protection from serious diseases is found in hadith collections like Ibn Majah.
The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to ask Allah to guard us against sicknesses that bring extreme hardship. This dua covers both mental and physical ailments, including depression, insanity, leprosy, and other severe conditions.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبَرَصِ، وَالْجُنُونِ، وَالْجُذَامِ، وَمِنْ سَيِّئِ الْأَسْقَامِ
(Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-barasi, wal-junooni, wal-judhaami, wa min sayyi’il-asqaam)
This dua is a reminder that true healing comes from You, O Allah. It acknowledges that only He can cure and protect against mutilation and debilitating diseases.
The Prophet (PBUH) reported this supplication, encouraging believers to ask for good health and refuge from harm. Through sincere prayer, one can find strength and peace, knowing that Allah’s mercy is limitless.
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.