In the beginning of Surah Al Qamar Allah reminds the reader of the numerous warnings he has provided and how despite all the signs people will still deny the truth.

“And they denied and followed their inclinations. But for every matter is a [time of] settlement.”
54:3

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala goes onto to say, the Quran is filled with wisdom but these warnings won’t help those who choose not to believe. They are the hopeless and Allah (SWT) tells Prophet Muhammad to leave them be. The Day the ‘Caller calls’ will be the day their eyes will be humbled. 

Here we can learn a very deep lesson into human nature, every effort should be made to convey our message. But after delivering a sincere and honest presentation and people don’t listen then we must part ways. The presentation wasn’t for them but for the one’s who stayed and listened.

It is unfortunate but people go on their own journeys and need to experience a setback or failure to realize the truth. This is the wisdom behind the saying, life experience is the best teacher. It can be a hard teacher at times…

Allah mentions that all efforts will be made, but it’s the unfortunate case that some will only realize once they raise from their graves.

“Their eyes humbled, they will emerge from the graves as if they were locusts spreading,”
54:7

The Quran then continues with the story of Prophet Nuh (pbuh) and how the people hadn’t listened to him. He tried was sincere and honest in his presentation but the people not only ignored him they taunted him, called him insane, possessed, and a madman. 

Nuh (AS) became intimidated and fearful by being driven out of the community he cried to Allah for help and recited this rabbi inni maghlubun dua. It is given in Surah Qamar ayah 10.

rabbi inni maghloobun fantasir in Arabic

In arabic text this dua is written,

رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَغْلُوبٌۭ فَٱنتَصِرْ

Here’s the three most used transliterations to help with pronunciation of this dua:

  1. rabbi inni maghlubun fan-tass-ssir
  2. rabbahu annee maghloobun fantasir
  3. rabbi inni maghloobun fantasir

rabbi inni maghlubun fan-tass-ssir meaning

Here’s the different translations of the dua from various quran commentators.

DR. GHALI So, he invoked his Lord, (saying), “I am overcome, so vindicate me!”

ABDUL HALEEM and so he called upon his Lord, ‘I am defeated: help me!’

YUSUF ALI Then he called on his Lord: “I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!”

SAHIH INTERNATIONAL So he invoked his Lord, “Indeed, I am overpowered, so help.”

DR. MUSTAFA KHATTAB So he cried out to his Lord, “I am helpless, so help me!”

MUHSIN KHAN Then he invoked his Lord (saying): “I have been overcome, so help (me)!”

PICKTHALL The folk of Noah denied before them, yea, they denied Our slave and said: A madman; and he was repulsed.

This is a very simple dua and can provide comfort if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just need a little motivation or boost in spirit.

If I could provide some personal advice, just remember, like all the problems of the past you’ve faced, here you are standing tall. Now, there’s no denying real pain and struggle will inevitably fall on all of us, but remember the saying, “this too will pass”. It can often sound trite or overused but time does heal all wounds. So, I recommend remembering Allah by reciting this dua, take things one day at a time, it will get better.

We conclude with one of my favorite one-liners from the Quran:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
Surah Baqarah Ayat 286