What is the dua for pain in Islam?

The most authentic dua for pain is: 'Bismillah' (three times), then 'A'udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru' (seven times). This is recorded in Sahih Muslim (2202).

Which Surah is recited for pain relief?

Surah Al-Fatiha is considered among the most powerful surahs for pain relief. The Prophet ﷺ used it as Ruqyah (healing recitation). Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are also recited for physical and spiritual ailments.

How many times should I read the dua for pain?

The Prophetic method is to say 'Bismillah' three times, then recite the full dua seven times, placing your hand on the area of pain each time.

Can dua cure chronic pain?

Islam teaches that dua is the believer's greatest weapon, and healing ultimately comes from Allah. Dua should accompany — not replace — medical treatment. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it.' (Abu Dawud 3855)

💚 Health & Healing · Authenticated Duas

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ

Dua for Pain — Authentic Supplications from Quran & Sunnah

Verified duas for physical pain, headache, chronic illness, and Ruqyah — with Arabic text, transliteration, translation, and hadith source for every supplication.

8+Authentic Duas

100%Verified Sources

5Types of Pain

FreeAlways

📿 View All Duas 💚 Health & Healing Hub →

🌿 Foundation

What Islam Says About Pain & Suffering

Islam teaches that pain — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual — is never without purpose. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ assures believers that every hardship a Muslim endures is an expiation of sins, even the prick of a thorn. This transforms suffering from a source of despair into an opportunity for closeness to Allah.

Alongside this spiritual understanding, Islam strongly encourages seeking medical treatment. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it” (Abu Dawud 3855). Dua and medicine work together — one is not a substitute for the other.

مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلَا وَصَبٍ وَلَا هَمٍّ وَلَا حَزَنٍ وَلَا أَذًى وَلَا غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا إِلَّا كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ

“No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm or sadness afflicts any Muslim — even the prick of a thorn — without Allah expiating some of his sins thereby.”

📚 Sahih al-Bukhari 5641 & Sahih Muslim 2573

⭐ Primary Supplication

The Main Prophetic Dua for Pain

This supplication, recorded in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2202), is the most authenticated dua specifically taught by the Prophet ﷺ for relieving physical pain.

⭐ Primary — Most Authentic Dua for Pain

📚 Sahih Muslim 2202

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3)
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Dua for Pain — Bismillah & Seeking Refuge

Bismillah (three times)
A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (seven times)

“In the name of Allah.” (×3) — “I seek refuge in Allah and in His power from the evil of what I find and what I fear.” (×7)

📖 Method (Sunnah): Place your hand on the area of pain. Say Bismillah three times, then recite the full refuge dua seven times. Uthman ibn Abi al-‘As ؓ reported that when he came to the Prophet ﷺ complaining of pain, the Prophet ﷺ taught him this dua exactly.

📿 Complete Collection

8 Authentic Duas for Pain Relief

Every dua below is sourced from the Quran or authenticated hadith collections. We include the Arabic text, transliteration, full English translation, and hadith reference.

💚 Ruqyah — Prophetic Healing Touch

📚 Bukhari 5675 · Muslim 2191

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا

Dua When Visiting the Sick (Ruqyah)

Allahumma Rabb an-nasi, adhhib il-ba’s, washfi anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqama

“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the affliction and heal — You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind.”

📖 When to Recite: Recite while passing your right hand over the person in pain. The Prophet ﷺ would recite this and blow lightly. Also recite for yourself when in pain.

📖 Quranic — Al-Anbiya 83

📚 Quran 21:83

رَبِّي أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Dua of Prophet Ayyub ؑ — For Chronic & Severe Pain

Rabbi anni massaniya ad-durru wa anta arhamur-rahimin

“My Lord, indeed adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”

📖 Significance: Prophet Ayyub (Job) ؑ endured severe physical affliction for years and called upon Allah with this heartfelt supplication. Allah responded by removing his hardship and restoring his health — making this dua especially powerful for those enduring long-term or chronic pain.

🌿 Dhikr for Pain Relief

📚 Sahih Muslim 2080

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Morning & Evening Protection Dhikr

Bismillahi alladhi la yadurru ma’a ismihi shay’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i wa huwa as-Sami’ul-‘Alim

“In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing can cause harm on earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

📖 Sunnah Method: Recite three times in the morning and three times in the evening. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever recites this will not be harmed by anything that day or night.

🤲 Dua When in Distress or Pain

📚 Tirmidhi 3432

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Dua of Yunus ؑ — Distress & Pain

La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

📖 Prophetic Assurance: The Prophet ﷺ said that no Muslim calls upon Allah with this dua except that Allah will answer him. It combines sincere acknowledgment of Allah’s greatness with humility — a powerful combination for any form of pain or suffering.

🌙 Dua for Headache & Fever

📚 Bukhari 5740

أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ

Short Healing Dua — Headache & Fever

Adhhib il-ba’s Rabb an-nasi, washfi anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk

“Remove the pain, O Lord of mankind, and heal — You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing.”

📖 Ruqyah Practice: ‘A’isha ؓ narrated that the Prophet ﷺ used to recite this dua and pass his right hand over the sick person. This shorter version is especially suitable for memorisation by children and new Muslims.

🛡️ Dua for Emotional & Mental Pain

📚 Bukhari 6369

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Dua for Anxiety, Grief & Inner Pain

Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani, wal-‘ajzi wal-kasali, wal-bukhli wal-jubni, wa dhala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from helplessness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overpowered by people.”

📖 Context: This dua addresses the emotional dimension of pain — anxiety, grief, and inner anguish. Islam recognises psychological suffering as real pain, and this supplication comprehensively covers multiple forms of inner distress.

✨ Dua for Back Pain & Joint Pain

📚 Tirmidhi 3588

اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَدَنِي، اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي سَمْعِي، اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَصَرِي، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Morning Dua for Bodily Well-being

Allahumma ‘afini fi badani, Allahumma ‘afini fi sam’i, Allahumma ‘afini fi basari, la ilaha illa ant

“O Allah, grant me health in my body. O Allah, grant me health in my hearing. O Allah, grant me health in my sight. There is no god but You.”

📖 Recitation Time: Abu Bakrah ؓ reported that the Prophet ﷺ taught him to recite this every morning and evening. It is a comprehensive supplication for the health of the entire body — particularly the back, joints, and sensory organs.

📊 Visual Guide

Duas for Specific Types of Pain

The Prophetic tradition addresses many kinds of pain — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Use this guide to find the right dua for your situation.

🗂️ Islamic Dua for Pain — Quick Reference Infographic

Match your pain type to the most suitable Prophetic supplication

📋 Step-by-Step Method

How to Perform the Dua for Pain — The Prophetic Way

The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated a specific method for reciting the dua for pain. Following this sunnah method maximises the spiritual benefit of the supplication.

🕌

Make Wudu (if possible)

Begin in a state of ritual purity. If pain prevents this, tayammum (dry ablution) is permitted.

🤲

Face the Qibla

Orient yourself toward the Ka’bah if able. Raise your hands in the posture of supplication.

✋

Place Hand on Pain Area

Place your right hand gently on the area of pain, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

📿

Recite “Bismillah” × 3

Begin with the name of Allah three times with full presence of heart (khushu’).

🔁

Recite the Refuge Dua × 7

Recite the full dua seven times: “A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi…” each time with sincere focus.

🌟

Make Personal Du’a

After the Prophetic dua, add your own personal supplication asking Allah for complete healing.

⏰ Best Times to Make Dua for Pain

Certain times carry special blessings for supplication — seek healing at these blessed moments

💡

Prophetic Tip: Consistency is Key

Uthman ibn Abi al-‘As ؓ reported that the Prophet ﷺ instructed him to recite the dua for pain every time he experienced the pain — not just once. Consistency in supplication is a sign of true dependence on Allah (tawakkul).

📖 Quranic Healing

Ruqyah — Quranic Healing for Pain

Ruqyah is the Islamic practice of reciting specific Quranic verses and supplications for healing. It is a Sunnah practice — the Prophet ﷺ performed Ruqyah on himself, his family, and his companions. For pain relief, the following surahs and verses are most commonly used:

📖

Surah Al-Fatiha

The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated Al-Fatiha as Ruqyah for physical pain. Recite over the affected area and blow gently. (Bukhari 5736)

🌙

Al-Mu’awwidhat (Last 3 Surahs)

Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas — recited three times each, blowing into cupped hands and wiping over the body. (Bukhari 5017)

✨

Ayat al-Kursi (2:255)

The greatest verse of the Quran, providing protection and peace. Recited at night for pain-free rest and protection from harm during sleep.

💧

Ruqyah Water

Reciting Quranic verses over water and drinking it is an established Sunnah practice. Scholars recommend Surah Al-Fatiha, Al-Ikhlas and the refuge duas over water.

⚠️

Important: Ruqyah & Medical Treatment

Ruqyah is a spiritual supplement — never a replacement for medical care. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly encouraged visiting doctors. If you are experiencing serious or chronic pain, always consult a qualified medical professional alongside making dua. See: IslamQA on seeking medical treatment.

🤲 By Body Part

Duas for Pain Relief by Body Part

The Sunnah method for any localised pain is the same core supplication — place your hand on the painful area and recite it. Below is how to apply it to each part of the body, along with extra prophetic duas where relevant.

Dua for Head Pain Relief

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3) ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (7 times)

“In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I am wary of.”

📖 How to apply: Place your hand on your forehead or the area of the headache while reciting. You may also add Adhhib il-ba’s Rabb an-nasi, washfi anta ash-Shafi (Bukhari 5740), which the Prophet ﷺ used specifically for headache and fever.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202, Bukhari 5740

Dua for Back Pain Relief

اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَدَنِي، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allahumma ‘afini fi badani, la ilaha illa ant

“O Allah, grant me health in my body. There is no god but You.”

📖 How to apply: Recite the core pain dua (Bismillah three times, then the refuge dua seven times) with your hand on the lower back, then follow with this morning/evening dua for overall bodily wellbeing.

Source: Abu Dawud 5090, Tirmidhi 3588

Dua for Stomach Pain Relief

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3) ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (7 times)

“In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I am wary of.”

📖 How to apply: Place your hand directly on the abdomen while reciting. Many scholars also recommend reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and blowing onto the stomach, following the Prophet’s ﷺ use of it as Ruqyah.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202

Dua for Chest Pain Relief

أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ

Adhhib il-ba’s Rabb an-nasi, washfi anta ash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk

“Remove the pain, O Lord of mankind, and heal — You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing.”

📖 How to apply: Place your hand on the chest while reciting. For sudden or severe chest pain, dua should accompany — never delay — urgent medical attention.

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 5743

Dua for Ear Pain Relief

اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي سَمْعِي، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allahumma ‘afini fi sam’i, la ilaha illa ant

“O Allah, grant me health in my hearing. There is no god but You.”

📖 How to apply: Recite the core pain dua with your hand near the ear, then follow with this dua specifically asking Allah for the health of one’s hearing.

Source: Abu Dawud 5090

Dua for Tooth Pain Relief

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3) ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (7 times)

“In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I am wary of.”

📖 How to apply: Place a finger gently near the jaw or cheek of the affected tooth while reciting. The Prophet ﷺ also taught the use of the miswak for dental and oral health alongside dua.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202

Dua for Knee Pain Relief

اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَدَنِي، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allahumma ‘afini fi badani, la ilaha illa ant

“O Allah, grant me health in my body. There is no god but You.”

📖 How to apply: Recite the core pain dua with your hand on the knee. This is one of the most common applications of the Sunnah method for joint and mobility-related pain.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202, Tirmidhi 3588

Dua for Hand Pain Relief

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3) ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (7 times)

“In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I am wary of.”

📖 How to apply: If the painful hand is the one reciting, use the other hand to touch the area, or simply hold it gently while making the dua with sincerity.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202

Dua for Eye Pain Relief

اللَّهُمَّ عَافِنِي فِي بَصَرِي، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Allahumma ‘afini fi basari, la ilaha illa ant

“O Allah, grant me health in my sight. There is no god but You.”

📖 How to apply: Recite this dua, part of the Prophet’s ﷺ daily supplication for bodily wellbeing, with closed eyes and a hand resting gently near (not on) the eye area.

Source: Abu Dawud 5090

Dua for Heart Pain Relief

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

📖 How to apply: Known as the Dua of Yunus ؑ, this is recited for both physical heart discomfort and the spiritual unease that often accompanies it. For chest or cardiac symptoms, always seek medical attention without delay.

Source: Tirmidhi 3505 (Hasan Sahih)

Dua for Leg Pain Relief

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (×3) ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ (×7)

Bismillah (3 times), A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru (7 times)

“In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I find and what I am wary of.”

📖 How to apply: Place your hand on the painful area of the leg while reciting, following the same Prophetic method used for any localised bodily pain.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2202

🌟 Islamic Framework

5 Pillars of Islamic Pain Management

Islam provides a complete framework for dealing with pain and illness — combining spiritual, physical, and psychological dimensions into a unified approach to healing.

🕌 The 5 Islamic Pillars for Dealing with Pain

A holistic approach combining dua, medicine, patience, community, and gratitude

📚 Verified Islamic References & External Resources

📗

Sunnah.com — Sahih Muslim 2202 (Primary Dua for Pain)

Read the full hadith of Uthman ibn Abi al-‘As ؓ and the Prophet’s ﷺ instruction for pain relief on the world’s largest hadith database.

📖

Quran.com — Al-Anbiya 21:83 (Dua of Ayyub ؑ)

Read the verse of Prophet Ayyub’s supplication for pain, with tafsir commentary and multiple translations.

🎓

IslamQA — Ruqyah and Healing in Islam

A scholarly fatwa on the Islamic ruling for Ruqyah, its conditions, and how to perform it correctly according to the Sunnah.

📘

Sunnah.com — Sahih al-Bukhari 5641 (Pain as Expiation)

The foundational hadith stating that any pain or hardship a Muslim endures is an expiation of sins — even the prick of a thorn.

❓ Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions — Dua for Pain

What is the most authentic dua for pain in Islam? +

The most authenticated dua specifically for pain is: Say Bismillah three times, then say A’udhu billahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhiru seven times, placing your hand on the area of pain. This is recorded in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2202).

Which Surah should I recite for pain relief? +

Surah Al-Fatiha is considered the most powerful surah for healing — the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated its use as Ruqyah. Additionally, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas (the last three surahs) three times each, blowing into your cupped hands and wiping over your body. See Sahih al-Bukhari 5017.

How many times should I repeat the dua for pain? +

The Sunnah method (from Sahih Muslim 2202) is: Bismillah three times, followed by the refuge dua seven times. You may repeat the entire sequence as many times as needed, especially if the pain persists. Consistency and sincerity are more important than a fixed number.

Is there a dua for headache specifically? +

The main prophetic dua for pain (Muslim 2202) applies to headache pain. Additionally, the short healing dua — Adhhib il-ba’s Rabb an-nasi, washfi anta ash-Shafi (Bukhari 5740) — is particularly recommended for headache and fever. Place your hand on your head and recite with full sincerity.

Can dua alone cure chronic pain without medication? +

Islam teaches that dua and medicine work together — one does not replace the other. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it” (Abu Dawud 3855). Always seek proper medical care. Dua strengthens your spiritual state and is a means through which Allah may grant healing — but consulting a doctor is equally an Islamic obligation.

Is it sunnah to place your hand on the area of pain during dua? +

Yes. The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2202) specifically mentions placing the hand on the area of pain while reciting the dua. The Prophet ﷺ also placed his right hand on the person he was making Ruqyah for (Bukhari 5675). This physical touch while reciting is part of the Sunnah method.

📚 Learn More

Further Islamic Reading on Healing & Dua

Deepen your understanding of Islamic healing by exploring these topics from our collection and verified Islamic scholarship:

What Islam Says About Pain & Suffering

The Main Prophetic Dua for Pain

Dua for Pain — Bismillah & Seeking Refuge

8 Authentic Duas for Pain Relief

Dua When Visiting the Sick (Ruqyah)

Dua of Prophet Ayyub ؑ — For Chronic & Severe Pain

Morning & Evening Protection Dhikr

Dua of Yunus ؑ — Distress & Pain

Short Healing Dua — Headache & Fever

Dua for Anxiety, Grief & Inner Pain

Morning Dua for Bodily Well-being

Duas for Specific Types of Pain

How to Perform the Dua for Pain — The Prophetic Way

Ruqyah — Quranic Healing for Pain

Duas for Pain Relief by Body Part

Dua for Head Pain Relief

Dua for Back Pain Relief

Dua for Stomach Pain Relief

Dua for Chest Pain Relief

Dua for Ear Pain Relief

Dua for Tooth Pain Relief

Dua for Knee Pain Relief

Dua for Hand Pain Relief

Dua for Eye Pain Relief

Dua for Heart Pain Relief

Dua for Leg Pain Relief

5 Pillars of Islamic Pain Management

Frequently Asked Questions — Dua for Pain

Further Islamic Reading on Healing & Dua

May Allah Grant You Complete Healing