سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ
Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after a gathering, but its profound meaning of glorifying Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and repenting is especially relevant when traveling. Whether embarking on a journey, resting at a stop, or returning home, reflecting on our actions and seeking Allah's pardon is a beautiful practice. The act of travel itself can expose us to situations and environments where we might inadvertently fall short, making this a timely supplication to purify our journey and our intentions.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Imagine yourself in the presence of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), acknowledging His perfection and mercy. The wording is simple yet comprehensive, covering glorification, praise, seeking forgiveness, and repentance. It's recommended to say it with clear pronunciation, focusing on the meaning of each word.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the essence of Tawbah (repentance) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). By glorifying Allah and acknowledging His perfect nature ('Subhanaka Allahumma'), we set the right foundation for our supplication. Seeking forgiveness ('Astaghfiruka') is a direct plea for pardon, while turning to Him in repentance ('Wa atubu ilayk') signifies our commitment to correcting our ways. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that these words are a means of expiation for any shortcomings or sins committed during a gathering. Applied to travel, this means any missteps or wrongdoings, whether intentional or unintentional, can be purified through this sincere supplication, making our journey pleasing to Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever says: Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You; I bear witness that there is no god but You; I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance. [Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa ant, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk] ... it will be written in a parchment and sealed with a seal, and that seal will not be broken until the Day of Resurrection.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 4994, Sunan An-Nasa'i 542, Sunan Ibn Majah 3830 - While this specific hadith is about the end of a gathering, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught similar phrases for repentance and seeking refuge during travel, demonstrating the importance of such supplications on journeys. For instance, when he would descend from a height or ascend, he would say 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) three times and then say 'Subhanaka' (Glory be to You)...' Sahih al-Bukhari 2995, Sahih Muslim 1776, highlighting the connection of glorification with movement and transition in travel.)