Life keeps on testing us, sometimes with trials and challenges, on some other occasions through emotional setbacks, and more frequently by grief, sadness, and anxiety. Islam teaches us that all types of trials, challenges, grief, anxiety, sorrow, and illness come from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as a test and trial of the believers. At the same time, Islam also teaches us that those who remain firm on faith during such times, will be blessed with good tidings. This concept is clarified in the 155th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, quite explicitly.
Translation - We will surely put you to trial by involving you in fear and hunger and by causing loss of property, life and earnings. And give good tidings to those who remain steadfast in these trials.
On the other hand, Islam urges believers to seek refuge in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ during such testing times by remembrance and supplications. A historical incident of the Prophet Yunus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is mentioned in the Quran, when he was swallowed by a fish. When in the belly of the fish, facing the most troublesome period of his life, filled with sorrow, grief, sadness, and extreme distress, he repeatedly recited a Dua. This Dua is mentioned in the 87th verse of Surah Al-Anbiya, as follows:
Translation - And We bestowed Our favour upon Dhu al-Nun. Recall, when he went forth enraged, thinking We have no power to take him to task. Eventually he cried out in the darkness:" There is no god but You. Glory be to You! I have done wrong."
It is also emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to recite this Dua for relief during the difficult times, as mentioned in Hadith 3505 of Jami At-Tirmidhi.
The Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had taught believers to recite specific Dua for relief from distress and hardship. Among many other specific supplications, which can be recited on different occasions, the Prophet also taught some powerful Dua for someone In distress and trouble. One such powerful Dua for a person in distress is narrated in Hadith 6346 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.
Translation - Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to say at a time of distress, "La ilaha illal-lahu Rabbul-l-'arsh il-'azim, La ilaha illallahu Rabbu-s-samawati wa Rabbu-l-ard, Rabbu-l-'arsh-il-Karim."
The same Dua for removing hardship and distress is also mentioned in Hadith 2730a of Sahih Muslim.
Similarly, some other Duas for seeking Allah’s help in distress are also mentioned in several other Hadiths, such as Hadith 5090 of Sunan Abi Dawood. Another Dua for distress is reported in Hadith 1525 of Sunan Abi Dawood.
During trials and periods of distress, most people turn towards their faith and reconnect with the higher power to find comfort and a sense of direction. A practice that one should keep alive is making dua for one in distress to find the strength to persist through the more challenging times.
Making dua or supplication is synonymous with talking to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Dua is like having an intimate connection where you share your troubles and tribulations with the Almighty. Although Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is aware of the deepest secrets in our hearts, for us to voice what causes us to worry opens a path to turn toward our Creator.
Supplication can take several forms, including dhikr or reciting specific supplications from the Quran to find relief. The teachings of the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are an ever-green source for our guidance. Both teach believers to raise their hands in dua when in distress and ask Allah’s favor and mercy. The above Hadiths narrate different Duas, which should be recited during times of distress, which are listed below.
Joy & Distress Duas
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahul-'Adheemul-Haleem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbul-'Arshil-'Adheem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbus-samaawaati wa Rabbul-'ardhi wa Rabbul-'Arshil-Kareem.
There is none worthy of worship but Allah the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.
Allaahumma rahmataka 'arjoo falaa takilnee 'ilaa nafsee tarfata 'aynin, wa 'aslih lee sha'nee kullahu, laa'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta.
O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship but You.
Laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta subhaanaka 'innee kuntu minadh-dhaalimeen.
There is none worthy of worship but You, glory is to You. Surely, I was among the wrong doers.
The correct etiquette for reciting dua for one in distress is to not be hasty in the prayer. When you make dua, do so by taking your time rather than rushing your prayer. Start your supplication by Glorifying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and invoke Him through His names with obedience and humility. He is our Creator, and we have to ask Him only rather than demand. Pray with the faith that He is listening, and believe with all your heart and mind that He is the sole disposer of our good and bad.
The etiquettes of reciting Dua for relief from distress are summarized below:
The supplication for one in distress can help one find a sense of calm and peace. Once you have trusted Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) with the matters of your heart and life, there will be a sense of security that can help you focus on your other tasks. We all benefit in different ways when we pray or make dua, but seeking strength in difficult times from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) can strengthen your connection with Him, give you a sense of relief, and allows you be aware that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is ever-present. Making supplication also fosters a resilient attitude that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) who has control of every good and bad and He will only provide for you what is best for you.
Any Dua, as mentioned in an authentic Hadith, can be recited for relief from distress. However, “Laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta subhaanaka 'innee kuntu minadh-dhaalimeen” is considered the best Dua, as also mentioned in Hadith 3505 of Jami At-Tirmidhi.
There is no fixed limit for recitation of these Duas. You can recite these Duas whenever you like, especially during difficult times, anxiety, sadness, or illness. These Duas can also be recited during financial constraints.
The best practice is to recite these Duas in Arabic, exactly as mentioned in authentic Hadiths. However, you can also make personal Duas after that, in your own language, maintaining humility, respect, and sincerity.
When supplicated with sincerity and complete submission, Duas are mostly answered and accepted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, but not necessarily immediately. Duas are answered and accepted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ at the appropriate time, which is only known to Him.
Yes, Dua brings peace of mind, heart, and soul, as also mentioned in the Quran. But the best practice is to make Dua while seeking appropriate remedies and support, wherever possible. So, while reciting an authentic Dua, as mentioned in Hadiths, one should also practically try to remove the reasons behind that distress and depression.