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Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Islamic Phrase›Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
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Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un is an Arabic Islamic phrase commonly translated as “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him we shall return.” It is known as istirja and appears in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un is an Arabic Islamic phrase commonly translated as “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him we shall return.” It is known as istirja and appears in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156. Muslims often recite it when hearing of a death or facing hardship as an expression of faith, patience, and acceptance of God’s will.

Meaning and translation

The phrase is usually translated as “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him we shall return.” It expresses the Islamic belief that human life is temporary and that all beings ultimately return to God.

Quranic origin

The phrase appears in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156, in the context of believers responding to trials with patience. Its presence in the Quran gives it a central place in Islamic devotional language.

Religious use

Muslims recite the phrase upon hearing of a death or when faced with loss, grief, or other hardship. It is used to acknowledge God’s decree and to seek spiritual consolation.

Istirja

Istirja is the name given to this formulaic response in Islamic tradition. The term is used to describe the act of saying the phrase in moments of calamity or bereavement.

Key facts

  • The phrase is a Quranic expression from Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156.
  • It is commonly called istirja in Islamic usage.
  • The phrase affirms that life and all existence belong to God.
  • Muslims commonly recite it after news of death or other distressing events.
  • It is used as a sign of patience, acceptance, and trust in divine wisdom.
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Canadian context

In Canada, the phrase is widely recognized within Muslim communities and may appear in condolences, funerals, and other religious or cultural settings.

Frequently asked questions

What does Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un mean?
It means “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him we shall return.”
Where does the phrase come from?
It comes from the Quran, specifically Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156.
When do Muslims say it?
It is commonly said after hearing of a death or during hardship, grief, or calamity.
What is istirja?
Istirja is the Islamic term for this phrase and its use as a response to distress or loss.
Is the phrase only used for death?
No. It is also used for other forms of calamity, loss, or misfortune.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inna_lillahi_wa_inna_ilayhi_raji'un
    Supports: Identifies the phrase as istirja, gives the Arabic form, Quranic source, translation, and common use in response to death or calamity.
  2. Wikipedia Bahasa Melayu — https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inna_lillahi_wa_inna_ilaihi_raji'un
    Supports: States the phrase is from Quran 2:156, gives the translation, and notes the term istirja.
  3. MyIslam — https://myislam.org/inna-lillahi-wa-inna-ilayhi-rajiun/
    Supports: Provides the common English translation and explains its use in response to passing or hardship.
  4. Noor Academy — https://nooracademy.com/article/inna-lillahi-wa-inna-ilayhi-rajiun/
    Supports: Describes the phrase as a Quranic prayer used in times of loss, hardship, or distress.