Dua for a Deceased Muslim

Explanation
This is the dua recited when we visit a fellow Muslim who has passed away. Scholars arranged it in this way and kept up reciting this dua.
Dua Text
إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ وَإِنَّا إِلٰى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اكْتُبْهُ عِنْدَكَ فِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ، وَاجْعَلْ كِتَابَهُ فِي عِلِّيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي أَهْلِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَلَا تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ وَلَا تَفْتِنَّا بَعْدَهُ
Transliteration
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Wa inna ila Rabbina la-munqalibun. Allahummaktubhu ‘indaka fil-muhsinin, waj’al kitabahu fi ‘illiyyin, wakhlufhu fi ahlihi fil-ghabirin, wa la tahrimna ajrahu wa la taftinna ba’dahu.
Meaning
We came from Allah and we are going to Allah; and in the Hereafter we will return to Him again. O Allah, record him (the deceased) among the good in Your exalted presence. Place his record in ‘Illiyyin. Grant a successor to the family and children he leaves behind. Do not keep us away from his reward, and do not put us to trial (fitnah) after him.
What Is Asked in This Dua
It is asked that the deceased be recorded among the good, that his record of deeds be placed in ‘Illiyyin and that his family be given a successor; and that the one making dua not be deprived of this reward and not fall into trial.
When and How to Recite
It is recited when visiting a deceased fellow Muslim, at the side of the body.
Virtue
The source book states that this dua contains very great wisdom, and that it is an Islamic tradition for Muslims to pray for one another both during their lives and after they die.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dua is recited for a deceased person?
The dua “Inna lillahi… Allahummaktubhu ‘indaka fil-muhsinin…” is recited.
What does 'Illiyyin mean?
It is the exalted station where the records of deeds of the good are kept; in the dua it is asked that the deceased’s record be placed there.
Does the dua also ask something for the one praying?
Yes; one asks not to be deprived of the deceased’s reward and not to fall into trial after him.
Source
Büyük Dua Kitabı (Great Book of Duas), Duas Related to Death and Funerals.
The text on this page was prepared by Dua Kitaplığı based on the work cited above. The Arabic text has been transcribed from the original with its vowel marks, and the transliteration in Latin letters and the English meaning are given separately. No virtue or number that does not appear in the source is added to this page. How do we prepare our content?
Published: 24 September 2026 · Last updated: 9 October 2026
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