The coronavirus is an overwhelming crisis, which none of us saw coming. It has affected each and every one of our lives, and we are all feeling anxious for the safety of our loved ones and those who are vulnerable around the globe.

Along with countless grassroots charities, key workers and the NHS, Penny Appeal’s staff, partners and volunteers are working on the frontlines of protecting those who are vulnerable against COVID-19 (you can support our work here).

But we do all our work in the knowledge that all protection comes from the Almighty, Allah (SWT), and that we must continue to worship, pray and trust in Him throughout this crisis.

We’ve put together some of the key duas you can recite for the protection of yourselves, your families and those most vulnerable in our communities. In this difficult time, let us use this tragedy to come together and unite in the name of Allah (SWT).

Dua for protection from illness and disease

This dua for protection from illness should be our constant prayer at this time – and it carries an important reminder that our refuge is always in Allah (SWT):

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبَرَصِ، وَالْجُنُونِ، وَالْجُذَامِ، وَمِنْ سَيِّئِ الأَسْقَامِ

Allah humma inni a'udhu bika minal-barasi, wal-jununi, wal-judhaami, wa min sayyi'il-asqaami

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, insanity, elephantiasis, and the worst of diseases."

[Abu Dawud]

Dua for leaving the house

Many of us may be fearful of leaving home at this time, but the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever says upon leaving his house:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ

Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah

"In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah; there is no might and no power except by Allah."

it will be said to him: ‘You are guided, defended and protected.’

The devil will go far away from him.”

[Abu Dawud]

Dua for protection against calamities

This dua for protection against calamities is a powerful supplication to Allah (SWT) to help and save us from every crisis, however unexpected:

اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَينِ يَدَيَّ, وَمِنْ خَلْفِي, وَعَنْ يَمِينِي, وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي, وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَن أُْغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي

Allah humma‘h fathny min bayne yaday wa min khalfi, wa‘an yameeny wa ‘an shimaly, wa min fawqi, wa a’uthu bi ‘athamatika an ughtala min tahty

"O Allah protect me from my front, behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your Magnificence from being taken unaware from beneath me."

[Ibn Majah]

Dua for sickness

Of course, when we are ill, we should seek medical attention - but we can also pray to Allah (SWT) to help our recovery. It is narrated that Aisha (pbuh) said that when anyone among them had an illness, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to rub the area of the pain and recite the following dua for protection:

اللَّهُمَّ ربَّ النَّاسِ ، أَذْهِب الْبَأسَ ، واشْفِ ، أَنْتَ الشَّافي لا شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ ، شِفاءً لا يُغَادِرُ سقَماً

Allah humma Rabban-naas, adhhibil-ba’s, washfi antash-Shaafi laa shifaa’a illaa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadiru saqamaa

“O Allah, Lord of mankind, do away with my suffering. Heal (me) as You are the only Healer and there is no cure except that of Yours, it is that which leaves no ailment behind”

[Bukhari]

Dua for fear and anxiety

If you’re feeling anxious or worried, that’s completely normal under these circumstances. You can call our free Listening Line 7 days a week from 12pm-8pm at 0300 303 1360, and say the following dua:

اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِيهِمْ بِماَ شِئْتَ

Allah hummak-fineeyhim bi maa shi'ta

"O Allah, suffice (i.e. protect) me against them however You wish."

[Muslim]

Dua for protection of family from every evil

It is narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say the following dua for the protection of al-Hasan and al-Husayn (His grandsons). This is a beautiful dua for protection of family members, especially our beloved children:

أَعُوذُ بِكلِمَاتِ الله التّامّاتِ مِن شَرّ مَا خَلَقَ

A'udhu bi kalimaa ti-llaahi taam-maati min sharri ma khalaq

"I seek protection in the perfect words of Allah from every evil that has been created."

[Muslim]

We hope that these duas for protection have brought you some comfort and hope in these dark times, Insha’Allah. Remember to keep praying and trusting the Almighty through it all.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also taught us to “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi) Please give generously to our Coronavirus Emergency appeal, and help stand in the way of calamity and protect lives from the coronavirus.

May Allah (SWT) bless and protect us all - Ameen.