This is a dua for distress and anxiety said after something painful has already happened and cannot be changed. It is a complete word of submission to Allah's decree that guards the heart from dwelling in regret and opening the door to Satan's whispers.
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قَدَّرَ اللَّهُ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ.
Qaddarallahu wa ma sha'a fa'al.
📖 Virtue (Arabic source text)
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: وإن أصابك شيء فلا تقل: لو أني فعلت كان كذا وكذا، ولكن قل: قدَّر الله وما شاء فعل، فإن (لو) تفتح عمل الشيطان.
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Meaning
Allah has decreed, and what He willed, He did.
When to recite
It is said after something distressing has occurred, in place of saying 'if only I had done such-and-such', following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.
About this dhikr
This dhikr is part of Distress & Anxiety Duas as documented in Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim), and is recited 1 time.
How many times should this dhikr be recited?
This dhikr is recited 1 time, as narrated in Hisnul Muslim. Use the smart counter on this page to track your repetitions.
Why did the Prophet ﷺ forbid saying 'if only'?
Because the word 'if only' opens the door to Satan's influence through regret, so he guided us instead to say 'Allah has decreed, and what He willed, He did', making it one of the key duas for distress and anxiety after something painful happens.
When exactly is this dua recommended?
It is recommended after the distressing matter has occurred, not before — saying it does not preclude taking precautions and being cautious beforehand.
Does this dua mean one should not take precautions?
No, taking precautions remains encouraged; this dua is simply meant to calm the heart after something has already happened, and you can track your recitation with the smart counter on this page.