Life is undoubtedly full of ups and downs. However, as Muslims, we must remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in all phases of life, whether good or bad. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us, by his Sunnah, what to do and say in times of happiness and sorrow. To ensure that you do not become ungrateful and that you learn to accept Allah's will with grace, you should recite the dua proven by Sunnah. If you've just received news you were glad to hear or news that has been anxiety-inducing and displeasing, you should recite the dua given below:
Joy & Distress Duas
Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee bini'matihi tatimmus-saalihaat.(1)Alhamdu lillaahi 'alaa kulli haal.(2)
When something happened that pleased him say: "Praise is to Allah Who by His blessings all good things are perfected".(1)And if something happened that displeased him say: "Praise is to Allah in all circumstances".(2)
When Muslims get joyful or successful news like a personal success, relief, or a blessing, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed them to say: "Al-ḥamdu lillāhi alladhī bi‑niʿmatihi tatimmuṣ‑ṣāliḥāt. This means "All praise is due to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) by His grace, good things are perfected." It gives thanks and recognizes that all achievement is due to Allah's favor. However, on hearing disappointing or sad news, the Prophet ﷺ and early scholars suggested uttering "Al-ḥamdu lillāhi 'alā kulli ḥāl." This dua means "Praise be to Allah in every circumstance." This dua instills Muslims with trust and contentment so they rely on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) providence even in adversity.
This dua demonstrates utmost gratitude to Allah. It acknowledges that success or goodness is not by one's own, but mostly because of Allah's blessing and mercy. Through this statement, a Muslim admits that Allah is the final Giver of everything that is good and that the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) are what provide the completeness and perfection of any good result. It is also a reminder of shying away from pride or self-praise and directing all appreciation towards the Divine. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would even prostrate in appreciation (sujood ash-shukr) when he received news that comforted him, further reinforcing thanking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
During difficulty or bad news, praising Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) demonstrates great patience and acceptance of divine decision. This reply illustrates the conviction that all that occurs, good or bad, originates from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and has intention. Understanding this reality allows us to stay balanced, minimize bitterness, and build inner strength.
You should recite this dua at the moment you receive any news, whether it's good news or bad news. In case you receive pleasing news, such as a victory or anything else, recite the dua to thank Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) immediately. This indicates you're thankful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for His favor.
For displeasing news such as a defeat or something unfortunate, recite the dua of acceptance and patience at once. This reminds you that all things occur at the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and that you are relying on His plan even when circumstances are difficult. You don't need to be in a particular location or orientation while reciting these duas. Simply recite the words loudly, knowing what they mean in your heart.
These duas fulfill many important functions in a Muslim's life:
You can also include other prayers or duas from your heart, remembering thankfulness and faith in Allah. On receiving pleasing news, you may even do a special prostration of gratitude known as Sujood ash-Shukr. You can simply utter more words of remembrance, such as "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah), or "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). If you receive special good news, such as the arrival of a new baby, you can offer a particular prayer for that gift.
For unsatisfactory news, apart from the primary dua, a strong one to recite is "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon" (Surely, we belong to Allah and Him we shall return), particularly upon hearing of a death or significant loss. This reminds you of our final return to Allah. And you can also take shelter from suffering with "Hasbunallaahu wa ni'mal wakeel" (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs), placing all your trust in Him (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). And if you feel weighed down, you can pray to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to make something easy with "Allahumma la sahla illa maa ja'altahu sahlan." (O Allah! There is no ease except that which You make easy.). All of these prayers assist you in getting comfort and strength from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in difficult situations.
Out of all, the most effective dua would be one that is uttered out of a genuine heart, recognizing the power and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and articulating true sentiments of thanksgiving, forbearance, and dependence, either during times of happiness or sadness.
It was narrated from Abu Bakrah that when the prophet (ﷺ) heard the news that made him happy, or for which one should be happy, he would fall down prostrate in gratitude to Allah, the Blessed and Exalted. (Sunan Ibn Majah 1349)