Dua for Pain: Authentic Supplications from the Sunnah and Quran for Healing and Relief
Pain is a reality of human life — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In times of distress, Muslims are encouraged to seek not only treatment but also turn to Allahﷻ with sincere supplication. The Dua for pain is a profound way to find comfort, healing, and spiritual strength.
Islam offers a holistic path to healing, combining dua, medical treatment, and spiritual practices. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ demonstrated this in his own life, frequently supplicating for healing and teaching others to do the same. In this article, we gather a collection of authentic duas for pain, supported by Hadith and the Qur’an, with transliteration and translation.
1. Quranic Dua for Healing and Pain Relief
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبْ الْبَاسَ اشْفِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
Transliteration: Allahumma Rabban-nas adhhib al-ba’sa, ishfi wa anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman
Translation: O Allahﷻ, Lord of the people, remove the pain and cure. You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing — a healing that leaves behind no illness.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5743, Sahih Muslim 2191
2. Dua with Hand Placement for Localized Pain
(أعوذ بعزة الله وقدرته على كل شيء شر ما أجد)
Transliteration: A‘udhu bi‘izzati Allah wa qudratihi ‘ala kulli shay’in sharri ma ajid
Translation: I seek refuge in the Majesty and Power of Allahﷻ from the evil of what I feel.
Instruction: Place your hand where you feel pain and recite this seven times.
Source: Musnad Ahmad 4763, [Tabarani – Sahih]
3. Repetition of a Comprehensive Healing Dua
أذهب الباس رب الناس، اشف أنت الشافي لا شفاء إلا شفاؤك شفاء لا يغادر سقماً
Transliteration: Idhhab al-ba’sa Rabb an-nas, ishfi anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uka, shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman
Translation: Remove the pain, Lord of mankind, cure — for You alone are the Healer. There is no healing except Yours, a healing that leaves no sickness.
Source: Abu Dawood 3890, [Ahmad – Sahih]
4. Dua to Remove Distress and Pain
اكشِفِ البأسَ ، ربَّ النَّاسِ ، لا يكشفُ الكربَ غيرُكَ
Transliteration: Akshif al-ba’s, Rabb an-nas, la yakshif al-karb ghayruka
Translation: Remove the affliction, Lord of mankind. None but You can lift the distress.
Source: [Ahmad and Khara’iti – Sahih]
5. Combining Bismillah and Seeking Refuge
بسم الله (ثلاثاً)… أعوذ بالله وقدرته من شر ما أجد وأحاذر (سبع مرات)
Transliteration: Bismillah (3 times), A‘udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid wa uhadir (7 times)
Translation: In the name of Allah (3 times)… I seek refuge with Allah and His power from the evil of what I feel and what I fear (7 times).
Instruction: Place your hand where you feel pain and recite.
Source: Sahih Muslim 2202, [Ahmad, Ibn Majah]
6. Dua While Rubbing the Area of Pain
أعوذ بعزة الله وقدرته من شر ما أجد في كل مسحة
Transliteration: A‘udhu bi‘izzati Allah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid fi kulli mashah
Translation: I seek refuge in the Glory and Power of Allahﷻ from the evil of what I feel at every wipe.
Instruction: Rub the area of pain seven times while reciting.
Source: [Al-Hakim and Al-Tabarani – Sahih]
7. Visiting the Sick: Powerful Healing Supplication
أسأَلُ اللهَ العظيمَ ربَّ العَرْشِ العظيمِ أن يَشفِيَك
Transliteration: As’al Allah al-‘azim Rabb al-‘arsh al-‘azim an yashfiyak
Translation: I ask Allahﷻ, the Supreme, Lord of the Mighty Throne, to heal you.
Instruction: Recite 7 times while visiting a sick person.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood 3106
8. Special Dua for the Sick Among the Believers
اللهم اشفِ عبدَكَ ينكأُ لَكَ عدوًّا أو يمشي لَكَ إلى جنازةٍ
Transliteration: Allahumma ishfi ‘abdaka yankau laka ‘aduwwan aw yamshi laka ila janazah
Translation: O Allahﷻ, heal Your servant so that he may defend against Your enemies or walk for Your sake to a funeral.
Source: Sahih Abi Dawood — authenticated by Al-Albani
Why Dua for Pain Matters
Pain is a test, but it is also a reminder of our dependence on Allahﷻ. In many ahadith, the Prophet Muhammadﷺ emphasized that even a thorn or minor suffering wipes away sins:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
— Sahih Al-Bukhari 5641
This shows that even the discomfort we experience is not wasted when endured with patience and accompanied by dua.
Tips for Making Dua During Pain
- Be in a state of wudu if possible.
- Raise your hands, or place your hand on the area of pain.
- Invoke Allah’s names — especially Ash-Shafi (The Healer).
- Repeat the dua consistently, especially at times of accepted supplication: last third of the night, between adhan and iqamah, while fasting, and when breaking fast.
- Have full conviction that Allahﷻ hears and will respond.
Combining Sadaqah with Dua for Pain
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ also advised:
“Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah (charity).”
— Sunan Ibn Majah 1438
Giving charity on behalf of yourself or a loved one who is in pain invites the mercy of Allahﷻ and can be a cause for healing — physically and spiritually.
Reflecting on the Purpose of Pain in Islam
Pain is not merely an affliction; it is also a reminder, a purifier, and in many cases, a mercy. In Islam, pain is seen through a spiritual lens. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said:
‟No Muslim is afflicted with any harm but that Allah will remove his sins as the leaves of a tree fall down.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 5647
This teaches us that suffering can cleanse the soul. Whether it’s a headache or emotional distress, every ache borne with patience is rewarded. This reflection can change the way a believer approaches illness — from despair to spiritual opportunity.
The Role of Ash-Shāfī: The Ultimate Healer
One of the beautiful Names of Allahﷻ is Ash-Shāfī — The Healer. When we make dua for pain, we are invoking the One who created both the disease and the cure. Unlike worldly treatments, His healing is perfect, without side effects, and reaches both body and soul.
Recognizing Allahﷻ as Ash-Shāfī allows us to rest our hearts. Doctors treat, but only Allahﷻ cures. Medicines work only by His command. This belief transforms dua into an act of surrender and faith.
Spiritual and Emotional Pain: Turning to Allahﷻ for Healing
Emotional pain, heartbreak, anxiety, and loneliness are forms of suffering often overlooked. Yet, they can be even heavier than physical pain. The Qur’an speaks to this:
﴾فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا﴿
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
— Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6
Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allahﷻ in emotional hardship, just as in physical illness. Make dua in your own words, cry in sujood, and seek relief through salah, Qur’an recitation, and the names of Allahﷻ.
How the Prophetﷺ Handled Pain
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ experienced great pain — from illness, wounds in battle, loss of children, and the emotional burden of carrying the final message. Yet he responded with patience (sabr), remembrance (dhikr), and supplication (dua).
He never complained about Allahﷻ. He cried during pain, sought help through prayer, and encouraged others to make dua with full belief in relief.
Building a Healing Routine: Combining Dua, Dhikr, and Action
To effectively seek relief, consider a holistic daily routine:
- Morning & Evening Adhkar: Includes protective and healing verses.
- Recite Ruqyah: Use Qur’anic verses for spiritual healing (e.g., Al-Fatiha, Ayat Al-Kursi, Surah Al-Falaq, An-Nas).
- Give Sadaqah: The Prophetﷺ said charity heals. Donate regularly, even small amounts.
- Physical Self-care: Sleep, rest, healthy food, and medication are also part of Islamic wellness.
- Make Dua for Others: Angels will say “Ameen, and for you the same.”
Emotional Support for the Sick
The Sunnah emphasizes visiting the sick, comforting them, and reminding them of Allah’sﷻ mercy. If you know someone in pain:
- Sit beside them and read a dua for pain.
- Speak gently and give hope.
- Offer help with chores, meals, or care.
- Send Qur’an audio or duas by voice note.
Your presence and prayer can be a source of immense comfort.
Mental Health and Dua in Islam
Muslims are encouraged to care for their mental health — not just tolerate suffering. The Prophetﷺ himself experienced grief after losing Khadijah رضي الله عنها and Abu Talib. Yet he turned to Allahﷻ in dua and rebuilt emotional resilience through revelation and companionship.
In our time, we should not hesitate to seek help from a professional — especially if pain turns into chronic depression or panic. But let that be paired with daily dua and trust in Allahﷻ.
A Journey of Faith and Healing
To be in pain is human. To respond to pain with dua is faith. Each dua for pain you recite is a reminder that Allahﷻ is near, listening, and able to heal. Let your pain lead you back to prayer, to patience, and ultimately — to peace.
Whether your pain is in the body or heart, never underestimate the power of a sincere Dua for pain. These supplications not only soothe your soul but connect you directly to Allahﷻ, who is Ash-Shafi — the only true Healer. Recite them with humility, trust, and hope.