In Islam, health is seen as a gift from Allah. Muslims believe that Allah has the power to give health and take it away. Prayer (dua) is a way to ask Allah for good health, healing from sickness, and protection from diseases.
Important to remember: Duas work together with medical treatment. Islam teaches us to pray and see doctors. We don’t use prayer instead of medicine – we use both together.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings on Health and Prayer
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many prayers for health. He said that every disease has a cure, and we should seek both spiritual healing (through prayer) and physical healing (through medicine).
The Prophet himself used to pray for sick people and taught his followers special prayers for health. These prayers have been passed down for over 1,450 years.
How Prayer Helps with Health
When we pray for health, several good things happen:
- We feel less worried and stressed
- We feel hopeful and positive
- We remember that Allah is in control
- We become more patient with our sickness
- We feel connected to Allah and our community
The Most Important Health Duas from Quran and Sunnah
A. General Health and Healing Duas
1. Surah Al-Fatiha – The Complete Healing Prayer
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّراطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِراطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا الضَّالِّينَ
How to say it:
“Bismillahi rahmani raheem. Alhamdu lillahi rabbil alameen. Ar-rahmani raheem. Maliki yawmi deen. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een. Ihdinas siratal mustaqeem. Siratal ladheena an’amta alayhim ghayril maghdubi alayhim wa la daaleen.”
What it means:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those You have blessed, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who have gone astray.”
Why it’s good for health:
- It’s called “The Mother of Healing” in Islamic tradition
- The Prophet said it can cure every sickness except death
- It connects us directly with Allah’s mercy and healing power
- It should be read 7 times over sick people
- How to use it:
- Read it 7 times daily for general health
- Read it over water and drink the water
- Read it while placing your hand on the sick part of your body
- Read it for family members who are sick
2. Ayat al-Kursi – Protection and Health
Arabic:
اللَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ وَلا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
How to say it:
“Allahu la ilaha illa huwa, al-hayyu al-qayyum. La ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm. Lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard. Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-idhnih. Ya’lamu ma bayna aydiihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhituuna bi-shay’in min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a. Wasi’a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-arda, wa la ya’uduhu hifdhuhuma, wa huwal-‘aliyyul-‘adheem.”
What it means:
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
Why it’s good for health:
- It provides complete protection from all types of harm
- It protects from evil eye, black magic, and negative energies
- It creates a spiritual shield around the person
- It brings peace and removes fear
How to use it:
- Read it once after every prayer for daily protection
- Read it before sleeping for nighttime protection
- Read it when feeling scared or anxious
- Read it over sick family members
3. The Last Three Surahs – Complete Protection
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112):
Arabic:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
How to say it:
“Qul huwa Allahu ahad. Allah us-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.”
What it means:
“Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him.”
Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113):
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ
مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ
وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ
وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
How to say it:
“Qul a’udhu bi rabbil-falaq. Min sharri ma khalaq. Wa min sharri ghasiqin idha waqab. Wa min sharrin-naffathati fil-‘uqad. Wa min sharri hasidin idha hasad.”
What it means:
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the mischief of created things, from the mischief of darkness as it overspreads, from the mischief of those who practice secret arts, and from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy.”
Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114):
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ
مَلِكِ النَّاسِ
إِلَهِ النَّاسِ
مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ
الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ
مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ
How to say it:
“Qul a’udhu bi rabbin-nas. Malikin-nas. Ilahin-nas. Min sharril-waswasil-khannas. Alladhi yuwaswisu fi suduurin-nas. Minal-jinnati wan-nas.”
What it means:
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the mischief of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the hearts of mankind, among jinn and among men.”
Why these three are good for health:
- They provide complete protection from all types of evil
- They protect from physical and spiritual harm
- They create a protective barrier around the believer
The Prophet used to blow on his hands and wipe over his body with these surahs
How to use them:
- Read all three surahs three times each morning and evening
- Blow on your hands after reading and wipe over your body
- Read them when feeling scared or sick
- Read them over children before they sleep
B. Specific Health Supplications
1. The Prophet’s Dua When Someone is Sick
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ البَاسَ، اشْفِهِ وَأَنتَ الشَّافِي، لا شِفَاءَ إِلا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
How to say it:
“Allahumma rabban-nasi, adhhib al-ba’sa, ishfi wa anta ash-shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uka, shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman”
What it means:
“O Allah, Lord of the people, remove the disease and cure him, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no disease behind.”
How to use it:
- Place your hand on the sick person and say this prayer
- Say it for yourself when you’re sick
- Repeat it several times with full faith
- Can be said in any language if you don’t know Arabic
2. Dua for Visiting Sick People
Arabic:
لا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ
How to say it:
“La ba’sa, tahuurun in sha Allah”
What it means:
“No harm, it is purification, Allah willing.”
How to use it:
- It reminds the sick person that illness can purify sins
- Say this when visiting sick people to comfort them
- It gives hope that the sickness will pass
- Shows care and Islamic brotherhood
3. Dua for Quick Recovery
Arabic:
أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَن يَشْفِيكَ
How to say it:
“As’alu Allaha al-‘adheem, rabbal-‘arshil-‘adheem, an yashfeeka”
What it means:
“I ask Allah the Mighty, Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you.”
Special benefit:
- If said seven times, the person will be cured (with Allah’s permission)
- This is a very powerful healing prayer
- Can be said for yourself or others
- Should be said with complete faith and trust in Allah
Health Duas for Different Situations
A. Before Medical Treatment
1. Dua Before Taking Medicine
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِك لِي فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنِي وَأَشْفِنِي بِمَا أَطْعَمْتَنِي
How to say it:
“Allahumma barik li fima razaqtani wa ashfini bima at’amtani”
What it means:
“O Allah, bless what You have provided me and heal me with what You have given me to consume.”
How to use it:
- Say this before taking any medicine
- It asks Allah to make the medicine effective
- It recognizes that healing comes from Allah, not just medicine
- Helps reduce anxiety about medical treatment
2. Prayer Before Surgery or Medical Procedures
Arabic:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
How to say it:
“Hasbuna Allahu wa ni’mal-wakeel”
What it means:
“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Guardian.”
B. During Illness
1. Prayer for Patience During Sickness
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِف لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
How to say it:
“Allahumma ajirni fi museebati wa akhlif li khayran minha”
What it means:
“O Allah, reward me in my affliction and replace it with something better.”
Why this helps:
- It reminds us that Allah can bring good from difficulty
- It helps us stay patient during long illness
- It builds hope for better times ahead
- It turns suffering into spiritual reward
2. Dua for Strength During Sickness
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَرَحْمَتِكَ، فَإِنَّهُ لا يَمْلِكُهَا إِلا أَنْتَ
How to say it:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika wa rahmatika, fa innahu la yamlikuha illa ant”
What it means:
“O Allah, I ask You for Your grace and mercy, for no one possesses them except You.”
How to use it:
- When feeling weak or tired from illness
- When needing emotional or physical strength
- During difficult treatment periods
- To remember Allah’s unlimited mercy
C. After Recovery
1. Gratitude Prayer After Healing
Arabic:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي عَافَانِي مِمَّا ابْتَلاكَ بِهِ، وَفَضَّلَنِي عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقَ تَفْضِيلا
How to say it:
“Alhamdu lillahi alladhi ‘afani mimma abtalaka bihi, wa faddalani ‘ala katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdeelan”
What it means:
“Praise be to Allah who has saved me from what He has tested you with, and favored me over much of His creation.”
When to use it:
- After recovering from any illness
- When seeing someone else who is sick
- To remember Allah’s blessings of health
- To avoid taking good health for granted
2. General Gratitude for Health
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
How to say it:
“Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibadatika”
What it means:
“O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best manner.”
How to use it:
- Daily prayer for maintaining gratitude
- When feeling healthy and strong
- To ask for help in being a good Muslim
- To remember Allah’s continuous blessings
Preventive Health Duas
A. Daily Morning Protection Prayers
1. Morning Protection Dua
Arabic:
أَصْبَحْنَا وَأَصْبَحَ الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ وَخَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَهُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ وَشَرِّ مَا بَعْدَهُ
How to say it:
“Asbahnaa wa asbahal-mulku lillahi, walhamdu lillahi, laa ilaaha illallahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer. Rabbi as’aluka khayra maa fee haadhal-yawmi wa khayra maa ba’dahu, wa a’oodhu bika min sharri maa fee haadhal-yawmi wa sharri maa ba’dahu.”
What it means:
“We have reached the morning and with it the dominion of Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise and He is over all things competent. My Lord, I ask You for the good of this day and the good of what follows it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this day and the evil of what follows it.”
Benefits for health:
- Provides protection for the entire day
- Helps start the day with positive thoughts
- Creates spiritual protection from harm
- Builds trust in Allah’s care
2. Evening Protection Dua
Arabic:
أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَخَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَشَرِّ مَا بَعْدَهَا
How to say it:
“Amsaynaa wa amsal-mulku lillahi, walhamdu lillahi, laa ilaaha illallahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer. Rabbi as’aluka khayra maa fee haathihil-laylati wa khayra maa ba’dahaa, wa a’oodhu bika min sharri maa fee haathihil-laylati wa sharri maa ba’dahaa.”
What it means:
“We have reached the evening and with it the dominion of Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise and He is over all things competent. My Lord, I ask You for the good of this night and the good of what follows it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and the evil of what follows it.”
Benefits:
- Provides nighttime protection
- Helps end the day with gratitude
- Prepares the mind for peaceful sleep
- Protects from nightmares and fear
How to Make Health Duas Effective
Proper Etiquette of Making Dua
- Start with praise of Allah
- Begin by saying “Alhamdulillahi” (Praise be to Allah)
- Recognize Allah’s greatness and mercy
- Be in a state of cleanliness
- Perform wudu (ablution) when possible
- Face the Qibla (direction of Mecca) if you can
- Raise your hands
- Cup your hands as if receiving something
- This shows humility and hope
- Be sincere and focused
- Don’t just say words without meaning
- Think about what you’re asking for
- Have complete faith that Allah can help you
- End with Ameen
- Say “Ameen” (So be it) at the end
- This shows your hope that Allah will accept your prayer
Best Times to Pray for Health
- Between Maghrib and Isha prayers (sunset to night)
- The last third of the night (before dawn)
- After each of the five daily prayers
- On Fridays (especially between Asr and Maghrib)
- During Ramadan (especially when fasting)
- When it’s raining
- When traveling
Prayer for Peace of Mind:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي، وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ، وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ
How to say it:
“Allahumma aslih li deeni alladhi huwa ‘ismatu amri, wa aslih li dunyaaya allati fiihaa ma’aashi, wa aslih li aakhirati allati fiihaa ma’aadi, waj’alil-hayaata ziyaadatan li fi kulli khayrin, waj’alil-mawta raahatan li min kulli sharrin”
What it means:
“O Allah, make righteous my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And make righteous my worldly life in which is my livelihood. And make righteous my afterlife in which is my return. Make life for me an increase in every good, and make death for me a rest from every evil.”
How this helps mental health:
- Addresses all aspects of life (spiritual, worldly, afterlife)
- Reduces anxiety about the future
- Creates balance and perspective
- Helps find meaning in difficult times
- Community Health Prayer Practices
- Group Healing Sessions
When to organize:
- When someone in the community has serious illness
- During disease outbreaks or epidemics
- Monthly community health gatherings
- Special occasions like Ramadan
How to conduct:
- Gather in mosque or community center
- Choose peaceful time (after Maghrib or Isha)
- Ensure clean and comfortable space
- Provide prayer mats and comfortable seating
Begin with group recitation
- Everyone reads Surah Al-Fatiha together
- Take turns reading different health duas
- Create rhythm and unity in recitation
Individual prayer time
- Allow quiet time for personal prayers
- People can pray for their own health concerns
- Maintain respectful silence
Collective supplication
- Imam or community leader leads final prayer
- Everyone raises hands together
- End with group “Ameen”
- Share healthy food
- Provide light, healthy refreshments
- Continue spiritual conversations
- Support those who are struggling
- Supporting Sick Community Members
Prayer support system:
- Create prayer groups for chronically ill members
- Organize daily prayer chains
- Send prayer reminders through mosque announcements
- Include sick members’ names in Friday prayers
Practical support with spiritual element:
- Bring food with duas said over it
- Offer to pray together during visits
- Share health duas in native languages
- Create prayer cards with important supplications
- The Ultimate Perspective: Health as Allah’s Trust
- Understanding Health as Amanah (Trust)
In Islam, health is not something we own – it’s something Allah has given us to take care of. This understanding changes how we think about health prayers:
Start today with these simple actions:
- Choose one prayer from this guide to learn properly
- Set a specific time each day to practice it
- Teach one other person what you’ve learned
- Keep a journal of how prayer affects your health and peace of mind
- Be patient with yourself as you build these new habits
The Ultimate Goal
The purpose of health duas is not just to have a healthy body – it’s to have a healthy relationship with Allah. When we pray for health, we’re really praying to be the best Muslims we can be, using whatever health Allah gives us to serve Him and help others.
May Allah grant you and your loved ones perfect health in this world and the next. May these prayers bring healing to your body, peace to your heart, and strength to your faith.
Ameen
If you haven’t already, check out my previous post, Complete Guide to Dua Istikhara – Prayer for Seeking Allah’s Guidance, where I’ve explained the purpose, method, and meaning behind this powerful prayer.
