Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un is the most common phrase used by Muslims when they are in sorrow or listen to bad news. If you are from a Muslim country, you have probably heard a Muslim friend saying ‘Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un,’ especially at a funeral or after hearing about a death.
In this blog, we will discuss why Muslims say Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un, what it means, and when you can say Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un.
Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un in Arabic
إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
English Transliteration: Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
Translation: We indeed belong to ALLAH, and we indeed toward Him are returning.
What is the meaning of Inallah Waina Ilayhi Raji’un in English?
Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon means “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we return.”
The term is deeply rooted in Muslim society, and you will hear almost everyone saying this phrase upon hearing bad news or the death of another Muslim.
How to pronounce Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon?
The phrase is a set of 5-6 words, which can be divided to pronounce easily. Here is the breakdown of Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon to pronounce it correctly.
- Inna
- Lillahi
- Wa
- Inna
- Ilayhi
- Rajiun
Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon in the Quran
The Quran has talked about the superiority of Allah in several Surahs. Everything has been created by him, and he is the right owner of this world and the heavens. However, the Quran has specifically mentioned to the believers that Allah will test them with fear and sorrow and the loss of property, life, and crops.
Those who will endure with faith and welcome the problems by saying, ‘Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon—Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we return’ will receive Allah’s blessings.
Here is the exact translation of the Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 155-157
“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.” They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are ˹rightly˺ guided.
The meaning of Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon with Hadiths
The phrase Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon has been part of several Hadiths showing its power. A few Hadiths will clarify the meaning and application of saying Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon.
Umar bin Abu Salamah narrated from his mother, Umm Salamah, that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “When a calamity strikes one of you, then let him say: ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, I seek reward with You for my affliction, so reward me for it, and replace it for me with something better (Innā lillāhi wa innā ilaihi rāji`ūn, Allāhumma `indaka aḥtasibu muṣībatī fa’jurnī fīhā wa abdilnī minhā khair).’” When the time of death was near Abu Salamah, he said: ‘O Allah, replace me for my wife, with better than me.” So when he died, Umm Salamah said: “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. I seek reward with Allah for my affliction, so reward me for it.” Tirmidhi 3511
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever was stricken with a calamity and when he remembers it he says ‘Inna lillahi, wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return),’ even though it happened a long time ago, Allah will record for him a reward like that of the day it befell him.” Ibn Majah 1600
Saying Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon on funerals and deaths is proved from this Hadith
It was narrated from Hamnah bint Jahsh that it was said to her:
“Your brother has been killed.” She said: “May Allah have mercy on him. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return).” They said: “Your husband has been killed.” She said: “O grief!” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The woman has a strong love for her husband, which she does not have for anything else.”
Saying Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon on an accident
It is proven that you can say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon at anything that is distressing or disturbing. If your car got broken, say ‘Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon’.
If you shirt is torn, say ‘Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon’. If your mobile screen crashes, say, ‘Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon.’
Saying Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon at anything that is sad can be proven from this Hadith.
Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the thong of someone’s sandal breaks he should say, ‘We belong to God and to Him do we return,’ for it is one of the calamities.” Mishkat al-Masabih 1760
When and how to use Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon can be used at any sad or depressing moment. Here are a few examples of Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon.
- Your friend or a family member dies, say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
- You got into a car accident, say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
- You failed the exam, say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
- You lost a valuable thing, say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
- You got fired from the job, say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon
- Others
Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon is a way to submit yourself for the will of Allah and ask for his mercy and a better substitute. For example, if you get fired from a job, you should say Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon and pray to get a better one, Inshallah.
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed everything you need to know about Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon, including its meaning, its significance from the Holy Quran and Hadiths, and how you can use it in your daily life.
We will update this blog with new Hadith references if there are any.
FAQs
What’s the meaning of Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon?
The Arabic phrase means, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we return.” You can translate this into other languages, such as French, Spanish, etc.
How to write inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon in Arabic?
Here is inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon written in Arabic. “إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ”
What are the rewards & benefits of reciting Inna lillahi Wa Inallah-e-Raji’oon?
The phrase “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon” translates to “Indeed, to Allah, we belong, and to Him, we shall return.” This phrase holds significant benefits and importance for Muslims:
1. Spiritual Comfort: Reciting this phrase provides comfort and solace during times of grief and loss, reminding believers that everything in life is temporary and part of Allah’s divine plan.
2. Strengthens Faith: It reinforces the belief in the transient nature of life and the certainty of returning to Allah, strengthening one’s faith and trust in Him.
3. Acceptance and Patience: This phrase encourages patience and acceptance of Allah’s will, helping believers cope with hardships and trials by understanding that they are part of a larger divine plan.
4. Remembrance of Allah: Saying this phrase is a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), which is highly rewarded in Islam. It keeps believers connected to their faith and conscious of Allah’s presence in their lives.
5. Community Support: When recited in response to someone’s loss, it expresses solidarity and shared grief within the Muslim community, fostering a sense of support and compassion.
Overall, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon” is a powerful expression that offers emotional and spiritual benefits, guiding Muslims through life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
