Assalaamu alaikum my brothers and sisters in Islam. As we all know that pain is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s physical discomfort, emotional stress, or spiritual struggles, every human being experiences moments of suffering at a point. In that moment of helplessness as a Muslim, a thought that might cross your mind first is calling upon Allah for relief. But the question is, do you know the dua for relief from pain?
As Muslims, we understand that pain is a test from Allah, designed to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and remind us of our ultimate reliance on Him. In these moments of distress, one of the most powerful tools we have is dua. Islam has provided us with authentic dua when in pain that we should recite for seeking relief from Allah.
The dua for relief from pain, which our Prophet ﷺ taught us, are powerful supplications that bring both physical and emotional healing. These duas do not only ease our discomfort but also strengthen our connection with Allah, reminding us that He alone holds the power to heal. In shaa Allah, we are going to list the recommended dua for relief when in pain in this article.
#1 Dua for Relief From Pain
This is a highly recommended and effective dua for relief from pain recorded in Sahih Muslim (2202), where Uthman ibn Abi al-As رضي الله عنه reported that he once complained of pain to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to say this dua when in pain:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (ثَلَاثًا) أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ)
Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhir (7 times).
“In the name of Allah” (3x). “I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I fear” (7x).
Method of applying this dua when in pain:
- Place your hand on the area of the pain
- Recite Bismillah three times
- Then recite ‘A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhir’ seven times
Uthman b. Abu al-‘As Al-Thaqafi reported that he made a complaint of pain to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) that he felt in his body at the time he had become Muslim. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:
“Place your hand on the area where you feel pain and say ‘Bismillah’ three times. Then recite ‘A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhir’ seven times.”
(Sahih Muslim 2202)
#2 Dua for relief from Pain
Pain and illness can be a heavy burden, but as believers, we have to turn to Allah for healing. Another powerful dua for relief from pain is the supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. This dua acknowledges that true healing comes only from Allah, the ultimate Ash-Shāfī (The Healer) even if we use medication. Medication is only a means, but for it to work is only from Allah.
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ البَأْسَ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
Allahumma Rabb an-naas, adhhib al-ba’sa, ishfi anta ash-Shaafi, la shifaa’a illa shifaa’uk, shifaa’an la yughadiru saqama.
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the hardship and grant healing. You are the Healer. There is no healing but Your healing, a healing that leaves no trace of illness.”
The authenticity of reciting this dua when in pain is found in Sahih al-Bukhari (5750) and Sahih Muslim (2191), making it a highly recommended supplication. The Prophet ﷺ used this dua when asking Allah to heal the sick, reinforcing the belief that true recovery comes only from Him.
How to say this dua when in pain
- Place your hand on the area of pain or over the person who is unwell.
- Recite the dua with sincerity
- You can repeat it multiple times as you wish
In one narration, Aisha رضي الله عنها reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to a sick person, he would make supplication for him, and would say:
Adhhibil-bas, Rabban-nas, washfi Antash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uka shifa’an la yughadiru saqama (Take away the pain, O Lord of mankind, and grant healing, for You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Your healing that leaves no trace of sickness).’
Sunan Ibn Majah, 3520
This dua reminds us that, while medicine and treatment are important to use when one is sick, ultimate healing is in Allah’s hands. Saying this dua when in pain does not only bring relief but also strengthens faith and trust in Allah’s mercy. Explore more duas you can say for the sick ones when you visit them here.
#3 Quranic dua when in pain
Allah has described the Quran as a source of healing for us. It is not only a guide for our lives but also a remedy for the illnesses of the heart, mind, and body. Allah says in the Quran:
“And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers…”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:82)
Among the powerful surahs used for healing and pain relief are Surah Al-Fatihah and the Mu’awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas). But the question is, how do we use these surahs as dua when in pain?
How can you use Surah Al-Fatihah as a dua for relief from pain?
Surah Al-Fatihah, also known as Umm al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book), is a powerful chapter that serves as both a prayer and a healing. It can be recited on the area of pain and blown on it. The evidence of this can be found in the narration below:
Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that some persons amongst the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) set out on a journey and they happened to pass by a tribe from the tribes of Arabia. They demanded hospitality from the members of that tribe, but they did not extend any hospitality to them. They said to them:
The tribe asked if anyone among the companions could perform Ruqyah (healing) at the chief of the tribe who had been stung by a scorpion. One of the companions agreed and recited Surah Al-Fatihah over the chief, blowing on him as he did so. Miraculously, the chief was healed, and the companion was rewarded with a flock of sheep for the efforts but he refused to accept that, saying: I shall make a mention of it to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if he approves of it then I shall accept it.
So we came to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and made a mention of that to him and he (that person) said: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) by Allah, I did not practice incantation but with the help of Sura al-Fatiha of the Holy Book. He (the Prophet) smiled and said: How did you come to know that it can be used (as healing)?
He then approved of their actions and allowed them to keep the reward, saying:
“Divide the sheep among yourselves and allocate a share for me as well.”Sahih Muslim, 2201
This story is a clear proof that Surah Al-Fatihah is a powerful dua when in pain, whether physical or spiritual. It also shows that seeking healing through the Quran verses is a practice endorsed by the Prophet ﷺ.
How to use the Mu’awwidhatayn as dua for relief from pain and healing?
The Mu’awwidhatayn, which includes Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, are among the most powerful surahs for seeking Allah’s refuge from harm, pain, and illness. The Prophet ﷺ himself used these surahs for healing and protection. In a hadith narrated by Aisha رضي الله عنها, she said:
“Whenever the Prophet ﷺ became ill, he would recite the Mu’awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) over himself and blow on his body. When his sickness became severe, I would recite them and blow on him, and wipe him with his own hands for blessings.”
(Sahih Muslim 2192)
The above hadiths show that reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and the Mu’awwidhatayn, is an approved method of seeking relief from pain and any other discomfort. Whether as Ruqyah (spiritual healing), protection, or personal supplication, the words of Allah provide both physical and emotional comfort.
When in pain, it is also recommended to recite Suratul Fathia as a dua for relief from pain or recite Mu’awwidhatayn, as they have been proven effective by the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
Pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we should know that it is a test from Allah, and through it, He gives us the opportunities for patience, purification, and closeness to Him. Through the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we are blessed with powerful dua for relief from pain and for seeking perfect healing from Allah.
However, alongside making dua when in pain, we must also take practical steps like seeking medical treatment, and maintaining good health. The Prophet ﷺ himself advised us to use medicine but we should only place our trust in Allah first and foremost. Don’t forget to read more duas you can say for the sick ones when you visit them here.
May Allah ease our pains, cure our illnesses, and grant us strength and patience in every hardship. Aameen. Jazaakumullahu Khayran for reading, and may Allah bless you with sound health and well-being!
