Meaning of the Sentence Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rojiun and the Virtue of Uttering It

Dream - The sentence Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun is often uttered by Muslims when they hear of someone's death or when they experience a disaster. This sentence is also called the sentence of istirja' or tarji' which means returning to Allah SWT.

The meaning of this sentence of istirja' is not as simple as it seems, although almost all Muslims can memorize it by heart. At first glance, there is a meaning of patience shown by the person who utters it when they are afflicted with a calamity.

Not only death, the calamity that comes can be in the form of accidents, natural disasters, or the loss of property due to theft. It must be admitted that the sentence of istirja' has so far been considered only uttered as a sign of mourning when someone dies.

Well, here is an explanation of when the appropriate time to utter the sentence of istirja' is and its virtues as summarized by Dream through various sources.

The Appropriate Time to Utter the Sentence of Istirja'

The sentence of istirja' is not only uttered when someone dies. But there are other incidents that are recommended to utter this sentence. Here are some appropriate times to utter the sentence of istirja':

When Hearing or Seeing a Calamity

Muslims are recommended to utter the sentence of istirja' when they hear or see a calamity. Whether it is experienced by themselves or others. By uttering the sentence of istirja', it will remind someone of patience.

Besides, it will also make them realize that they belong to Allah SWT and will return to Him. After uttering the sentence of istirja', Dream friends can continue by reciting prayers when afflicted by a calamity.

When a Non-Muslim Dies

Perhaps most Muslims think that the sentence of istirja' is uttered when a Muslim brother dies. However, this sentence can also be uttered when a non-Muslim dies.

This is because the sentence of istirja' is not a prayer, but a recognition that one belongs to Allah SWT and will return to Him. Ibnu Katsir explained in his interpretation:

"This utterance instills in their hearts a recognition that they are His servants and they will definitely return to Him on the Day of Judgment. That is why Allah informs about the rewards that He will give them as a reward for that."

The Virtue of Uttering the Sentence of Istirja'

Uttering the sentence of istirja' is very good, even it has extraordinary virtues. Here are some virtues of uttering the sentence of istirja' that Dream friends need to know:

Evidence of Patience

A person who utters the sentence of istirja' proves that they are a patient person, especially when afflicted by a calamity. They realize that a calamity cannot be faced with tears alone, but also with the awareness that they belong to Allah SWT and will return to Him. This is explained in His words through the Surah Al-Baqarah verses 155-156:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ (155) الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ (156)

Receiving Rewards

There are many ways that Muslims can do to get rewards, one of which is by uttering the sentence of istirja'. This is explained in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 156. Where the verse is interpreted by Ibnu Katsir as follows:

"That is, they comfort themselves by uttering the sentence of istirja' when they are afflicted by a calamity and they are convinced that they belong to Allah. He treats His servants as He wills. They believe that Allah will not waste any reward in His sight, not even as heavy as a mustard seed on the Day of Judgment."

Receiving the Companionship of Allah

A person who utters the sentence of istirja' will receive the companionship of Allah. What is the companionship of Allah? The companionship of Allah is Allah's presence and supervision over every creature. This is explained in His words through Surah Al-Baqarah verse 153:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

Meaning: "Indeed, Allah is with the patient ones." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 153)

Receiving Blessings

Another virtue of uttering the sentence of istirja' is that it can receive blessings. Even these blessings will be received perfectly. As explained in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 157:

أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

Meaning: "They are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is they who are rightly guided." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 157)

The above blessings may be considered by most people as intended for Prophet Muhammad only. However, there are three types of blessings, namely blessings from Allah, from the angels, and from humans.

So, blessings from Allah to humans other than Prophet Muhammad have the meaning of mercy, nobility, and blessings.

Receiving Guidance

Uttering the sentence of istirja' can bring guidance from Allah to the person who says it. Guidance from Allah is very special. Because it will direct us towards faith and truth. With that, our path will not be lost or deviate from what is mandated in Islam.

Getting a Better Replacement

The extraordinary virtue of uttering the phrase istirja' is to be able to get a better replacement. This is also explained in the saying of the Prophet Muhammad:

"A servant is not afflicted with a calamity and says (meaning): 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and replace it with something better' except that Allah will reward him for that calamity and replace his loss with something better." (Narrated by Muslim)"