Du’a for the Sick (Supplications for Healing in Islam)
Introduction
Illness is one of the many trials that every person may face during life. Whether the sickness is mild or severe, a believer turns to Allah alone, seeking His mercy, healing, and assistance. While Islam encourages seeking medical treatment, it also teaches that true healing comes only from Allah.
Allah says:
“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
(Qur’an 26:80)
A Muslim combines trust in Allah (tawakkul), sincere du’a, patience, and lawful medical treatment, knowing that Allah is the Best of Healers.
The Islamic Perspective on Sickness
Sickness is not necessarily a punishment. It is often a test through which Allah raises a believer’s rank, forgives sins, and increases patience.
Allah says:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.”
(Qur’an 2:155)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim—even the prick he receives from a thorn—but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5641–5642; Sahih Muslim, 2573)
This teaches that every hardship endured with patience brings forgiveness and reward.
Authentic Du’as for the Sick
1. Du’a Asking Allah for Complete Healing
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ، أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
Transliteration
Allahumma Rabban-nas, adhhibil-ba’s, ishfi anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman.
Translation
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the suffering and heal. You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves behind no illness.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (5742); Sahih Muslim (2191)
When to Recite
While visiting someone who is ill.
Over yourself if you are sick.
While gently placing your hand on the area of pain (if appropriate).
2. Du’a for Pain
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
(Repeat three times)
ثم:
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ
(Repeat seven times)
Transliteration
Bismillah (3 times)
Then:
A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru.
Translation
“In the Name of Allah.”
“I seek refuge in Allah and in His Power from the evil of what I find and what I fear.”
Source: Sahih Muslim (2202)
When to Recite
Place your hand on the painful area.
Say “Bismillah” three times.
Then recite the second supplication seven times.
3. Du’a Said When Visiting the Sick
Arabic
لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration
La ba’sa, tahurun in sha’ Allah.
Translation
“No harm. It is a purification, if Allah wills.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (5662)
When to Recite
Say this while comforting a sick Muslim during a visit.
4. Ruqyah of Jibril (عليه السلام)
Arabic
بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ أَرْقِيكَ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ يُؤْذِيكَ، مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ نَفْسٍ أَوْ عَيْنٍ حَاسِدٍ، اللَّهُ يَشْفِيكَ، بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ أَرْقِيكَ
Transliteration
Bismillahi arqik, min kulli shay’in yu’dhik, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasid, Allahu yashfik, bismillahi arqik.
Translation
“In the Name of Allah, I perform ruqyah for you from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul and every envious eye. May Allah heal you. In the Name of Allah, I perform ruqyah for you.”
Source: Sahih Muslim (2186)
When to Recite
Used as an authentic ruqyah over a sick person.
How Should These Du’as Be Recited?
Begin by praising Allah.
Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Face the Qiblah if possible.
Raise your hands when making general du’a.
Have complete certainty that Allah hears and answers.
Repeat the du’a sincerely.
Continue seeking lawful medical treatment alongside du’a.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seek treatment, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has created for it a cure.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (5678)
Etiquette of Visiting the Sick
Islam highly encourages visiting sick Muslims.
The visitor should:
Make sincere du’a for the sick person.
Offer comfort and hope.
Keep the visit reasonably short unless the patient wishes otherwise.
Avoid saying anything that causes fear or despair.
Encourage patience and remembrance of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (5373)
The Virtues of Patience During Illness
Patience (Sabr) is among the greatest acts of worship during hardship.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.”
(Qur’an 39:10)
Allah also says:
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Qur’an 2:153)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“How wonderful is the affair of the believer! … If hardship befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
Source: Sahih Muslim (2999)
Every pain, difficulty, and illness can become a means of purification and immense reward when borne with faith and patience.
Important Reminders
Healing comes from Allah alone.
Continue taking lawful medicine while trusting Allah.
Avoid amulets, charms, and practices not established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
Make du’a regularly, both in times of health and sickness.
Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy.
Allah says:
“And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?”
(Qur’an 15:56)
Conclusion
Illness reminds us of our dependence upon Allah and the temporary nature of this worldly life. Islam teaches believers to combine patience, sincere supplication, trust in Allah, and lawful medical treatment. Through authentic du’as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, Muslims seek healing while hoping for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and reward. May Allah grant complete healing to every sick Muslim, forgive our sins through our trials, and make us among those who remain patient and grateful in every circumstance. Āmīn.
July 15, 2026
