Dua of Distress (Du’a al-Karb)
The Prophet’s words at times of severe distress
Also searched as: dua in distress
Arabic
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الْأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ
Transliteration
La ilaha illallahul-azimul-halim. La ilaha illallahu Rabbul-arshil-azim. La ilaha illallahu Rabbus-samawati wa Rabbul-ardi wa Rabbul-arshil-karim.
Meaning
None is worthy of worship but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing. None is worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne. None is worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, Lord of the Noble Throne.
Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
When to recite
Severe distress or calamity • Often
Virtue
Pure tawhid under pressure — no complaint, only glorification of the Lord of the Throne.
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Prophetic dua • Narrated by Ibn Abbas • Grade: Sahih • Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When should I recite Dua of Distress (Du’a al-Karb)?
Severe distress or calamity. Recite it often.
What is the virtue of Dua of Distress (Du’a al-Karb)?
Pure tawhid under pressure — no complaint, only glorification of the Lord of the Throne.
Where is Dua of Distress (Du’a al-Karb) from?
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (narrated by Ibn Abbas). Grade: Sahih. As always, learn the wording from a teacher and consult scholars for rulings.
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