If any servant (of Allah) who suffers a calamity says:" We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," ' Allah will give him reward for affliction, and would give him something better than it in exchange. She (Umm Salama) said: When Abu Salama died. I uttered (these very words) as I was commanded (to do) by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). So Allah gave me better in exchange than him. i. e. (I was taken as the wife of) the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 918 b
Hadith Commentary
This blessed narration from Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) establishes the profound wisdom behind the prescribed supplication during times of calamity. The phrase "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return) constitutes the foundational Islamic response to loss, affirming divine ownership and ultimate return.
The subsequent invocation demonstrates the believer's active engagement with divine decree - not merely passive acceptance but seeking reward and better replacement. This transforms calamity from mere suffering into an opportunity for spiritual elevation and divine compensation.
Umm Salama's personal testimony provides living proof of Allah's promise. Her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after Abu Salama's death exemplifies the unimaginable blessings Allah may grant those who respond to trials with proper submission and trust.
Scholars emphasize that "something better" encompasses both worldly and spiritual compensation. While Umm Salama received an unparalleled worldly honor, the primary reward remains in the hereafter. The comprehensive nature of this supplication makes it universally applicable to all forms of loss and hardship.
Legal Rulings
Reciting this supplication is recommended (mustahabb) upon any calamity, particularly death. The first portion is obligatory upon hearing of a Muslim's death.
The complete supplication should be recited with presence of heart, understanding its meanings, and firm belief in Allah's promise of compensation.
The timing extends beyond the initial shock to include subsequent reminders of the loss, ensuring continuous spiritual reward.