What is the meaning of the word "calamity" mentioned in His — the Exalted — saying: "Who, when a calamity strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'"? And does it include everything with which a person is tested, such as illness and divorce? And when should one say "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return"? And does saying "There is no god but Allah" or "There is no might or power except with Allah" suffice in its place?

Everything that befalls a believer and harms him is considered a calamity, even a thorn or a worry. Recitation of "Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return) is prescribed when a calamity occurs or when remembering it, even after a while; because everything that harms a believer expiates his sins. This recitation is the preferred remembrance during a calamity, for it entails professing Allah's oneness, acknowledging servitude to Him, and believing in the resurrection. Allah says: "Who, when calamity strikes them, say, 'Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided."