When anxiety or distress rises, you can turn to the supplication the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used in times of distress. It affirms Allah’s greatness and lordship, and gives you words to remember Him while facing what feels difficult. Reciting dua can accompany prayer, practical steps, and professional support; it does not mean you must face persistent anxiety alone.
The prophetic dua in times of distress
Ibn ‘Abbās reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say during times of distress: “There is no god but Allah, the Most Great, the Forbearing. There is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. There is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens, the Lord of the earth, and the Lord of the Noble Throne.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
A simple transliteration is: *Lā ilāha illā Allāh al-‘Aẓīm al-Ḥalīm. Lā ilāha illā Allāh Rabb al-‘Arsh al-‘Aẓīm. Lā ilāha illā Allāh Rabb al-samāwāti wa Rabb al-arḍ wa Rabb al-‘Arsh al-Karīm.* Transliteration conventions vary, so it is fine to use this as a reading aid while learning the Arabic.
What the dua asks Allah for—and how to recite it
This supplication is not a request for a particular outcome. It begins by affirming that none deserves worship but Allah, then names Him as the Most Great and the Forbearing: the One whose power is complete and whose forbearance is vast. It also declares that Allah is Lord of the Mighty Throne, the heavens, and the earth. In a moment of worry, these words turn the heart toward the One whose authority is greater than the problem causing distress.
You may recite it when anxiety rises, slowly enough to attend to its meaning. You do not need to wait until you feel calm, or treat a particular number of repetitions as a guarantee. If you can, pause, breathe steadily, and say the words with humility; if the Arabic is unfamiliar, learn it gradually and use the transliteration as support. For further explanation of this supplication, see IslamQA’s explanation of the supplication for relief from anxiety and stress.
How remembrance and prayer can support an anxious heart
The dua is one form of *dhikr* (remembrance of Allah). The Qur’an connects remembrance with inward reassurance: “Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d, 13:28) This is a reason to keep turning to Allah, not a promise that anxiety will immediately disappear. A person may remember Allah sincerely and still experience distress or need other forms of care.
Prayer can also be a way to seek Allah’s help while continuing to meet life’s demands. Allah says: “Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,-” (Surah Al-Baqara, 2:45) You can pair the supplication with your regular prayers and moments of remembrance, without making your worship a test of whether you feel better straight away. For more on this connection, read how the Quran can support mental wellbeing.
When anxiety persists: spiritual practice and professional care
Continue making dua, but do not assume that seeking help shows weak faith. If anxiety persists, becomes overwhelming, or disrupts sleep, work, relationships, worship, or daily responsibilities, speak with a qualified mental health professional. A clinician can help assess what is happening and discuss appropriate support; spiritual practice and professional care can sit alongside one another.
If you are unsure what to say in a particular situation, you can find a dua for the situation you are facing. And if you are struggling with the feeling that your prayers have not been answered, what to do when your duas seem unanswered offers further reflection. If distress includes immediate danger to you or someone else, seek urgent local help.
When distress rises, recite the prophetic supplication and reflect on its affirmation of Allah’s greatness and lordship. Let remembrance and prayer support you without expecting them to remove every difficulty at once. If anxiety continues or interferes with daily life, keep making dua and seek qualified professional care.
Sources quoted
Every quotation was checked word for word against the Quran and hadith texts in our database.
- Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 28
- Surah Al-Baqara, verse 45
- Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim — authentic
The Al Muslim Plus editorial team · tested on October 26, 2026