Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون Detail Guide

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) – If you come from a Muslim family or have ever had Muslim acquaintances, you’ve probably heard them say, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon” (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,). It seems that there are various purposes behind using this phrase. However, it is mainly recited upon receiving bad news or hearing about someone’s departure. 

The phrase Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) translates into “To Allah, we belong, and to him, we will return”. This is why it is mostly recited when the news of someone’s death is received, either by a loved one or a stranger.  

The phrase Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is also used by Muslims frequently when they face any calamity in life. They believe that it helps them go through all the hardships with patience. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail the origin and meaning of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,). 

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Translation of Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un 

The phrase Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is taken from Quran. The holy book of Muslims. The Quran was revealed in the Arabic language, in ancient times. 

It is a sacred text of Islam, which means it’s the words of Allah, that were divulged to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). The Quran is the guiding principle for Muslims as to how they should lead their life.  

There are various translated versions of the Quran that you will come across while surfing the internet. However, all of them have only slight variations.  

The real meaning and the message behind the Quranic verses are sacred, and they will remain the same forever. The phrase Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) has different translations but all of them convey the same message.  

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) translates into, “ Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” 

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon English Meaning: 

“Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him, we will have to return.” 

 “Indeed, to Allah, we belong and to Allah, we shall return.”  

So we can conclude that even though there are many variations of Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon found regarding the wording of translation. Nonetheless, the meaning and message behind the phrase is constant. We can also understand the translation better by breaking up the phrase into single words. 

Inna – meaning “Indeed, truly, surely, ‘verily, we”. 

Lillahi – meaning “We belong to Allah”. 

Wa Inna – Wa meaning “and”  

Ilayhi –  meaning “towards him”. 

Rajiun – meaning “Will Return”. 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un in Arabic

The Arabic phrase is written as follows:

إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Here are the various spelling variations for Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un there isn’t any one right or correct adaptation. These are just the English literal translation of the Arabic text. The interpretation used should match the interpretation that the most accurately reflects the articulation in Arabic.

1- innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun
2- Inalillahi wainailaihi rajiun
3- ina lilah waina allah rajiun
4- Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
5- Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon
6- inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon
7- Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji un
8- Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji un

The transliterations above of Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) should help with pronunciation.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un The Revelation of The Phrase 

The Quran has thirty paras, a total of 114 surahs, and 6666 verses. All of them have sacred messages and backgrounds that guide Muslims throughout their life. Quran was revealed between the years 610 and 632 CE. 

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is the Quranic verse, mentioned in the second ayat of the Quran, Surah Al Baqra which is in Para number 2. The number of verses is 156. Every word that has been revealed to the Muslims via Quran, holds a significant value. Allah and the Holy prophet (P.B.U.H) have guided Muslims to lead their lives according to the teachings of the Quran Pak.  

The Purpose behind reciting Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) during hard times is to relate everything to Allah. The phrase translates into “To Allah, we belong, and to him, we will return”. Which means you show your submission to your Lord. however, some Muslims mistake it to be used only when news of death is received. 

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The Meaning Behind Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun 

The sole purpose of the phrase is to encourage Muslims to remember their Lord, amidst their calamities, and not to be dejected. The dua, Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) practically teaches the Muslims to remember that death is the ultimate reality of life. The phrase clearly states that whoever has been born, belongs to Allah almighty, and one day they will return to their creator. Which means that they will die.  

The Muslims have a firm belief in the concept of life after death, and they believe that they will be returned to their creator after their departure. As the Quran states: 

“Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction.” (4:78) 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un is a Reminder

It is nothing but a reminder of death to the believers. Believers recite this phrase to comfort themselves in their afflictions. It might sound truly absurd to other people how merely, a reminder of death can calm someone. However, In Quran and Sunnah, everything has an origin and story which justifies its existence.  

The thought of death provides the clarity a person needs in their life. When a believer recites Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) in their hardships, it means they’re submitting to the will of God, and admitting that all the calamities and happiness come from Allah. 

This world and its trials can get really overwhelming sometimes. The Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is solely a reminder for those people who get caught up in worldly trials and give up. Quran in this verse reminds the believers that, there’s only one perpetual reality of life, and it’s death. So, whatever you might be suffering through, it will come eventually come to an end.  

When To Use Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un 

1- Reciting Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon During Hardships 

It’s a false perception that Inna Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is only recited upon receiving the news of someone’s departure. The real meaning and message behind the verse are different. Believers are encouraged to recite it even when they have encountered a small inconvenience. The prophet with his Sunnah has proved that, no matter how small or enormous your trials seem, the only way to get through them is to seek help from Allah and be patient. 

2- Upon Hearing The Death of The Deceased 

There have been many different occasions where the World’s best man till today Hazrat Muhammad PBUH and Sahaba Karam used the phrase and made it an example for the Muslims. Why Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is recited upon hearing the news of the deceased? Because the pain sometimes gets too hard to bear and dealing with the loss of a loved one is not easy at all. In such times of sorrow, the believers are advised to seek help from Allah and stay patient.  

3- To Show Condolence at the Death of a Muslim 

It is also permissible and desirable to recite Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) if you hear the death of someone and want to show your condolences. Whatever the tragedy, the person who is experiencing it needs your supplications for his heart to be healed of his great anguish. So, for his lost loved one to get Allah’s Mercy and ascend to the highest levels. You could respond to him by asking for prayer for both the deceased and for him. 

The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) 

Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is one of the most honored figures in Islam. He was the last prophet of Allah, who conveyed the message of Islam to the Muslims. After the words of the Quran, which are the words of Allah, the sayings of the prophet (Hadith) and deeds (Sunnah) are considered the guiding principles. 

As the evidence suggests, Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) has recited the dua Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) 4 times in his life. The deeds of the Prophet are considered a Sunnah for the Muslims & and they hold it in the highest regard.  

1. He advised the believers to recite Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon if a thorn picks them. 

2. If mosquito bites you, say the phrase Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon and be among those who are patient. 

3. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un should be recited if your light extinguishes. 

4. Recite Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun if your shoelace snaps or breaks.  

This shows that, regardless of the type of inconvenience, you must remember your Lord and seek help.  

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Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon & Hadith of The Prophet (P.B.U.H) 

The sayings of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) are called Hadiths, and they are held in the highest regard for all Muslims. The Prophet has encouraged the Muslims to recite Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) by proving its benefits and the purpose behind it. The main aim was to guide the Muslims to be patient and he further told them about the rewards associated with being patient. 

Hazrat Salma, the respected wife of the prophet stated that she heard Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “a Muslim who recites Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) is never put into distress and Allah compensate him for the endured misery.” (Sahih Muslim) 

Imam Qartbi has narrated in his Tafseer that once the lantern of the Prophet (peace be upon him) went off. And Prophet (peace be upon him) recited Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon  (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) upon this. It was asked if it was also any sort of distress or affliction. Prophet (PBUH) said, “If a Muslim faces any discomfort caused by everything can be regarded as an affliction”. (Tafseer al Qurtubi).

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is also called Istirja

inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) isn’t simply said upon the death of an individual. Our Prophet (P.BU.H) often used to repeat this phrase whenever he faced any difficulties.

The Benefits of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon 

What is the benefit of reciting Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon? Why are the Muslims advised to stay patient? The believers are advised to recite  Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) whenever they’re in distress. Because it’s a cure for their oppressed hearts. Whoever stays tolerant in calamities, will be rewarded something either in this world or in the hereafter. 

The Quran in the Surah Al-Anfal verse no. 70, has also promised the Muslims that the believers will be rewarded with something better than what was taken away from them. 

“If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

The benefits of reciting Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon in calamities are: 

1.  On the day of judgment, Allah will reward the individual. 

2. He or she will be praised by Allah. 

3. Allah will replace what has been lost with something greater. 

4. Allah will provide them Sabr (Patience). 

The most crucial thing is to avoid adopting a routine or habit of merely repeating these phrases without giving them any further thought. 

Don’t allow it just to be a phrase that comes out of your mouth; it is a very significant dua, and we should be diligent about what we say so that it can enlighten us on how to behave. 

This signifies that we are ALL Allah’s property, and we will all return to him. It is not only said in memory of the deceased; it also serves as a reminder that we will meet him again on the Day of Judgment. 

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon Translation In Urdu 

To understand the meaning behind Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) better, we can have a look at its translation in some different languages. 

In Urdu, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon can be translated to: 

بے شک ہم اللہ کے ہیں اور ہمیں اسی کی طرف لوٹ کر جانا ہے۔’’ 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Translation In Hindi 

The Hindi translation of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon is: 

“हम अल्लाह के हैं और उसी की ओर हम लौटेंगे,’’ 

Which can be pronounced as, 

“Hum Allah k hain, or usi k taraf loot k jayengy”. 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Translation In Tamil 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) in Tamil language can be translate like:

நாம் அல்லாஹ்வுக்கே உரியவர்கள், அவனிடமே திரும்புவோம்

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Translation In Spanish 

In Spanish, the Translation can be written as: ‎” Ciertamente, pertenecemos a Allah y tendremos que volver a Él” 

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon Translation In French 

 In French, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi rajioon is translated as 

“En effet, nous appartenons à Allah et nous devrons retourner à Lui 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un FAQS 

Q1. What is the meaning of Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon? 

The meaning of Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) is Truly, to Allah we belong, and truly, to Him, we shall return.” 

Q2. What is the original language of the phrase and how is it written in Quran? 

The Quran is in the Arabic Language, So Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un is written in the Arabic language mostly, however, there are many English transliterations. It is written in Arabic like this:  (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) 

Q3. When Do you use the phrase Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon? 

it is mainly recited upon receiving bad news or hearing about someone’s departure. Besides that, it can also be recited if you are faced with any difficult situation in life. No matter how small an inconvenience is. 

Q4. How does Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un help a person in a calamity? 

The thought of death provides the clarity a person needs in their life. When a believer recites Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون) in their hardships, it means they’re submitting to the will of God. 

Q5. What is the meaning behind the phrase Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon? 

 The Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji’oon is solely a reminder for those people who get caught up in worldly trials and give up. Quran in this verse reminds the believers that, there’s only one perpetual reality of life, and it’s death. So, whatever you might be suffering through, it will come eventually come to an end.  

Q6. When can you use Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un besides the death of the loved one? 

Muslims are allowed to recite Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un to console someone if their loved one has passed away. 

Q7. What are the benefits of reciting Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon? 

Islam rewards believers if they are patient in difficult situations. The Muslims believe that no supplication goes unheard, and they will be rewarded in the hereafter for their patience. 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Final Words:

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ,) is an act of prayer to remind us when we are in a difficult time to work to do our best for Allah. The life of the elective can be a time of self-exaltation, of accumulating wealth and fame, but they will eventually realize that this is only temporary. 

In the same way, as quickly as the riches he has accumulated and then go through the process of losing it. The things you cannot be able to take to the deathbed. This is a lesson that we should not be taught in the middle of our lives.