Dua e Shifa: Duas for Healing the Sick in Arabic With Meaning
Quick answer: The best-known dua for the sick, taught by the Prophet ﷺ, is “Allahumma Rabban-nas, adhhibil-ba’s, ishfihi wa antash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqama.” Alongside it, Muslims say “La ba’s, tahurun in sha Allah” when visiting a patient, and the dua of Prophet Ayyub (21:83). The Arabic, transliteration and meaning of each are below.
What Is Dua e Shifa?
“Shifa” means healing or cure. Dua e Shifa, also searched as shifa ki dua, dua for healing, or dua for a sick person, is any supplication taken from the Quran and Sunnah that asks Allah to heal an illness, whether your own or someone else’s. It is not one fixed text, but a small group of authentic duas and practices.
One important point first: dua does not replace treatment. The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has not sent down a disease without also sending down its cure (Bukhari), and he told people to seek treatment. Make dua and see the doctor.
1. The Prophet’s Dua for the Sick
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ اشْفِهِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
Transliteration: Allahumma Rabban-nas, adhhibil-ba’s, ishfihi wa antash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqama.
Meaning: O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the harm and heal him. You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind.
This is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said the Prophet ﷺ used to recite it over a sick person. When making dua for yourself, say “ishfini” in place of “ishfihi”, and for a woman say “ishfiha”.
2. The Dua Said Seven Times at the Bedside
أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ
Transliteration: As’alullahal-‘Azima Rabbal-‘Arshil-‘Azimi an yashfiyak.
Meaning: I ask Allah, the Almighty, Lord of the Mighty Throne, to heal you.
The Prophet ﷺ said that if a person visits a sick person whose time has not yet come and says this seven times, Allah will heal him. It is reported in Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi, and is accepted by many scholars as a sound report.
3. What to Say When You Visit the Sick
لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration: La ba’s, tahurun in sha Allah.
Meaning: No harm, it is a purification, if Allah wills. This is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari when the Prophet ﷺ visited a sick man. It reminds the patient that illness can wipe away sins.
4. Dua When You Are Sick Yourself
The Prophet ﷺ taught a person with pain in their body to place a hand on the spot where it hurts, say “Bismillah” three times, and then say seven times:
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ
Transliteration: A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhir.
Meaning: I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I feel and what I fear. It is reported in Sahih Muslim.
5. The Dua of Prophet Ayyub
أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Transliteration: Anni massaniyad-durru wa anta arhamur-rahimin.
Meaning: Indeed, hardship has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. (Quran 21:83)
Ayyub made this dua after years of illness, and the Quran records that Allah answered him. It shows that patience and a direct request can go together. Read more in our guide on the power of sabr.
Surah Al-Fatiha as Ruqyah
A narration in Sahih al-Bukhari tells of a group of companions who recited Surah Al-Fatiha over a tribal chief who had been stung by a scorpion, and he recovered. The Prophet ﷺ approved what they had done. Many Muslims recite Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayat-ul-Kursi and the last two ayat of Surah Baqarah over themselves or a patient, with the intention of seeking Allah’s help.
Etiquette When Making Dua for the Sick
- Begin with praise of Allah and durood, as in our guide on how to make dua.
- Ask with certainty, even if the illness is serious. Allah is not limited by any diagnosis.
- Keep trusting Allah while you seek treatment. See tawakkul for the balance between the two.
- When visiting, keep it short, be gentle, and give the patient hope.
- Ask for forgiveness too. See Istighfar for how to make it part of your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dua for a sick person in Islam?
“Allahumma Rabban-nas, adhhibil-ba’s, ishfihi wa antash-Shafi…” is the main dua, from Bukhari and Muslim.
Can I recite these duas for myself?
Yes. Change “ishfihi” to “ishfini” when asking for yourself.
Do I need to say them in Arabic?
The Arabic is what was narrated, but you can also ask for healing in Urdu, English or any language you speak. Allah understands all of them.
Is dua e shifa a replacement for medicine?
No. Seek medical treatment and make dua together.
How many times should I say it?
The Prophet ﷺ taught the bedside dua seven times. The others have no fixed count beyond what is mentioned above, and you can repeat them as often as you wish.
Conclusion
Illness is hard for the patient and for those who love them. These duas give you words to ask Allah for healing with the same words the Prophet ﷺ used. Learn one this week, and say it for someone who needs it.
Related reading: Hifazat ki dua, Tawakkul, How to make dua, The power of sabr. You can also browse upcoming Islamic gatherings near you.