The phrase “Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun”, written in Arabic as “إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,” translates in English to:
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we shall return.” This profound statement is deeply rooted in Islamic faith and is commonly recited when a Muslim receives news of someone’s death or during moments of hardship and sorrow.
More than just words, innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun serves as a powerful reminder of our eventual return to our Creator. It invites believers to reflect spiritually, seek divine reward, and remain patient in the face of trials. It reflects a key Islamic teaching—that every challenge is part of a greater plan from Allah, and nothing in this world is permanent.
Death is a certainty that no one can escape—whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated. It has been the reality of human life since the beginning of time. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:
“Wherever you may be, death will overcome you – even if you were in fortified towers…” (Surah An-Nisa: 78)
Everything in existence belongs to Allah—living or non-living. As He reminds us in the Quran:
“… And Allah is the ˹sole˺ inheritor of the heavens and the earth …” (Surah Ali ‘Imran: 180)
This Qur’anic verse, Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun, beautifully encompasses this entire truth. Found in Surah Al-Baqarah, it is not just a prayer, but a divine command that strengthens a Muslim’s faith during loss and grief.
Across the globe, Muslims of all languages and backgrounds use this phrase in times of distress. When someone passes away, it is common to see it printed on prayer leaflets, shared in messages, or displayed as Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un images or stickers.
This article covers everything about Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un—its meaning, its usage, and how it is written in Arabic, English, and Urdu. Read on to understand when and why this phrase is recited, and what it signifies in a Muslim’s life.
Innalillahi Wa Innailaihi Rojiun Meaning
“Innalillahi wa Innailaihi Rojiun” means “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we shall return.” In Arabic, it is written as: “إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,”
Many times, we recite verses from the Quran without fully understanding their meanings. But if we pause and reflect on the depth of Innalillahi wa Innailaihi Rojiun, we’ll realize that it carries a powerful and comforting message. This exact phrase is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156):
“…Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we shall return.”
Let’s break down the meaning of each word in this verse for better understanding:
- Inna – Certainly, truly, or indeed we
- Lillahi – Belong to Allah, the Almighty
- Wa Inna – And surely we
- Ilayhi – To Him
- Raji’un – Are returning or shall return
Each word contributes to a deeper understanding of the Islamic perspective on life, death, and our connection with Allah. Saying Innalillahi wa Innailaihi Rojiun in times of grief reminds us that everything we have is a trust from Allah, and ultimately, all of us will return to Him.
Also Read: How Many Ayahs in Quran?
Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun and Istirja
The phrase Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun is also referred to as Istirja (Arabic: إِسْتِرْجَاع). Istirja is the act of turning to Allah with patience and trust during difficult times, by acknowledging that all things ultimately belong to Him—and that we will all return to Him one day.
The term Istirja comes from the Arabic root word “رجع”, which means “to return.” This term highlights the essence of accepting Allah’s decree with humility and faith, especially when facing loss, grief, or calamity. Reciting Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun in such moments is not only a spiritual response but also a powerful expression of submission to Allah’s will.
Through Istirja, Muslims are reminded that every hardship is part of Allah’s divine plan and that true peace comes from trusting His wisdom. It helps the believer remain steadfast, knowing that nothing happens outside His knowledge and that we are all journeying back to Him.
When to Say Innalillahi Wa Innailaihi Rojiun
Muslims are encouraged to say “Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun” whenever they hear about someone’s death. But it shouldn’t just be said out of habit — we should also reflect on its meaning. This is a powerful and meaningful prayer that reminds us of a deep truth: we all belong to Allah, and we will all return to Him one day.
This phrase isn’t only for when someone passes away. It also reminds us that this life is temporary, and the real life is the one after death. Allah says in the Quran:
“Every soul will taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment. Whoever is spared from the Fire and is admitted into Paradise will ˹indeed˺ triumph, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.”
(Surah Ali ‘Imran: 185)
Saying “Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun” during a hardship brings reward from Allah. Abu Umama (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Son of Adam, if you show endurance and seek your reward from me in the first affliction, I shall be pleased with no lesser reward than paradise for you.”
(Mishkat al-Masabih)
This dua can be said whenever we face any loss, pain, or difficulty — not just death. It has been narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) would recite this phrase in many situations, even small ones — like when his sandal strap broke, a thorn pricked him, or a lamp went out.
It teaches us to have patience and remember that everything happens by Allah’s will — and that He is the One we all return to.
Also Read: How Many Surahs Are in the Holy Quran?
Hadiths About Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
A beautiful hadith is narrated by Umm Salamah (RA). She said that her husband Abu Salamah once told her about what he heard from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and reacts by saying as Allah SWT has commanded:
‘Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Allahumma Indaka Ahtasabtu Musibati, Fajurni Fiha Wa ‘Awwidni Minha’
(Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. O Allah, with You I seek reward for my calamity, so reward me for it and compensate me),
but Allah will reward him for that and compensate him with something better than it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
After Abu Salamah passed away, Umm Salamah remembered this advice and made the same dua:
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Allahumma Indaka Ahtasabtu Musibati, Fajurni Fiha.”
(Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. O Allah, with You I seek reward for my calamity, so reward me for it.)
She then hesitated to say the last part, “Wa ‘Awwidni Minha” (and compensate me with better), thinking:
“How could I ever be given someone better than Abu Salamah?”
But eventually, she said the complete dua. And Allah SWT answered her prayer by blessing her with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself as her husband. This showed the great reward of being patient and saying this dua sincerely.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon Transliteration
There are different ways to write “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon” in English letters. These are called transliterations, and they help people who can’t read Arabic pronounce the phrase correctly.
There is no single “correct” way to write it in English. The goal is just to make the pronunciation as close to the Arabic as possible. People use whichever version is easiest for them to read and say.
Here are some common variations of the transliteration:
- Ina lilah waina allah rajiun
- Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
- Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon
- Inna lillahi wa inallah rajioon
- Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji un
- Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon
- Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi rajiun
- innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun
All of these versions are used by people across the world. If you’re unsure how to pronounce it correctly, it’s a good idea to listen to the Arabic audio of the phrase to learn the proper pronunciation.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un in Arabic
The phrase “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un” is almost always said in Arabic.
In Arabic, it is written as: إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
This powerful phrase reminds us that we all belong to Allah and that we will return to Him.
Understanding the meaning of what you recite—especially in Arabic—can help you feel more connected to Allah (SWT) and deepen your faith.
Also Read: Essential Quran Tajweed Rules You Must Know
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un in English
The English translation of Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) is:
“… Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him we will all return.”
Or it can also be translated as:
“… Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we shall return.”
Both translations carry the same deep meaning and remind us of our ultimate return to Allah.
Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun Urdu Translation
The phrase Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un is written in Urdu as follows:
بے شک ہم اللہ کے لیے ہیں اور ہمیں اسی کی طرف لوٹنا ہے۔
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Final Thoughts
One can recite Innalillahi Wa Innailaihi Rojiun (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) in any language whenever facing hardship or distress. It’s important to understand that this phrase is more than just words—it is a heartfelt prayer. Saying it sincerely, with full awareness that we all ultimately return to Allah SWT, brings great spiritual reward and comfort.
