La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin, have you ever heard of this dua? We bet you have. This is one of the most prominent duas in Islam, mentioned in the Holy Quran Surah Anbiya Verse 87, and also known as ‘Ayat e Karima.’
In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin, its advantages, and why this dua is so popular among Muslims.
What is the meaning of La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin?
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min, also known as Ayat e Karima, means, There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been one of the wrongdoers. The dua is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Anbiya Verse 87, which tells the story of Prophet Yunus (PBUH) and how he rescued himself from the whale’s stomach by reciting this dua.
What is the definition of La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min can be defined as the dua that can save you from anything. The dua is used explicitly for bad times and to gain Allah’s mercy.
The significance of La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min can be defined as follows.
- La Ilaha Illa – There is no God but Allah
- Anta Subhanaka – He (Allah) is the greatest
- Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin – This describes the acknowledgment of sin
Basically, dua-e-Yunus, or Ayat e Karima, defines the unity of God (Tauheed), Islam’s first pillar. By saying this dua, you continuously praise God and accept that he is the one to be worshiped. Then, in the last sentence, you admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. You will be forgiven, Inshallah!
How to pronounce this dua?
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min is a long dua as compared to La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah, Hasbi Allah & Hasbi Allah Wa Ni’mal Wakeel, Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni or Allahumma Barik.
However, breaking down this dua into pieces can help with its pronunciation.
- La
- Ila-haa
- Illaa
- Antaa
- Subhanaka
- Inniee
- Kuntuo
- Mi-naz Min
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin in Quran and Hadith
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min is mentioned in Surah Anbiya Verse 87. The Surah tells the story of Prophet Yunus (PBUH) and how he was punished for his deeds, which were against Allah’s will.
The exact translation of this Surah is, “And ˹remember˺ when the Man of the Whale stormed off ˹from his city˺ in a rage, thinking We would not restrain him.1 Then in the ˹veils of˺ darkness2 he cried out, “There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.” So We answered his prayer and rescued him from anguish. And so do We save the ˹true˺ believers. Surah Al-Anbya Verse 87-88
The significance of Dua-e-Yunus can be calculated from this Hadith. Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Sa`d narrated from his father, from Sa`d that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated, while in the belly of the whale was: ‘There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory to You, Indeed, I have been of the transgressors. (Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn)’ So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him.” — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3505
When can we recite Dua-e-Yunus?
Dua-e-Yunus or Ayaat e Karima can be recited at any time of the day. However, it is mostly used in times of distress and pain. Here are a few occasions when you should recite La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min.
- Failed in the exam
- Huge loss in Business
- Loss of an unborn child
- Death of a parent
- Feeling alone
- Suffering from depression or other health issues
- Others
Why did Prophet Yunus (PBUH) make this dua?
If you know the story of Prophet Yunus (PBUH), who left his people in anger and envy to look for another city with nice people. People with a good nature will accept him as the messenger of Allah and his religion. However, he decided with his will and didn’t ask what Allah had willed for him.
On his way to the new town, he was betrayed by his fellows. He was thrown into the sea from the boat and swallowed by a whale. He was kept alive in the whale’s belly for an unknown period until he recited this dua numerous times.
After seeing his genius apology, Allah forgave him, and the whale spotted him on the shore. If Prophet Yunus (PBUH) hadn’t repented, he would have been in the whale’s stomach until the day of judgment.
The Quran says this in Surah As-Saffat, Verses 142-144: Then the whale engulfed him while he was blameworthy. Had he not ˹constantly˺ glorified ˹Allah˺, he would have certainly remained in its belly until the Day of Resurrection.
What should we do?
We should submit ourselves to Allah’s will and don’t act against it. The Quran clearly mentions that “So be patient with your Lord’s decree, and do not be like ˹Jonah,˺ the Man of the Whale, who cried out ˹to Allah˺, in total distress.” Surah Al-Qalam Verse 48.
However, if we are facing problems in our lives, we should ask for Allah’s mercy by reciting this dua, ‘La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Min.’
Wrap Up
So far we have discussed everything related to Ayat-e-Karima, i.e, La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin. We have discussed its meaning, definition, and significance in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadiths.
We have also mentioned how Prophet Yunus (PBUH) used this dua to get out of a whale’s belly and how you can use this dua to ask for Allah’s mercy.
FAQs
Who can recite this dua?
Anyone who is in deep sorrow or depression can recite this dua. However, one should firmly believe that reciting this dua will help him in the bad times, and Allah will bless him with his mercy.
What is Ayat e Karima, and what are its benefits?
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin is known as Ayat e Karima. The main benefit of ayat e karima is it will help you in difficult times. Some scholars say that reciting Ayat e Karima 100 or 313 times will end your difficulties.
La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin meaning?
The exact translation of La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin in English is “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been one of the wrongdoers.”
