سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا البِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى، وَمِنَ العَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى، اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ المَنْظَرِ وَسُوءِ المُنْقَلَبِ فِي المَالِ وَالأَهْلِ.
Glory be to Allah, Who has subjected this (transportation) to us, and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves. And surely, we are to return to our Lord. O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety in our journey, and in our deeds which are pleasing to You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor among the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, the distress of seeing evil, and the bad turn in property and family.
Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibuna. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-'amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha watwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fis-safari wal-khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thais-safari wa ka'abatil-manzhari wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication is recited upon commencing a journey. It encompasses praise to Allah for enabling the travel, requests for beneficial deeds and ease, and seeking refuge from difficulties. Upon returning safely, a shorter form of gratitude is also recommended, but this detailed dua serves as a holistic prayer for the entire journey, including the arrival.
How to Read
This dua is best recited when first mounting one's transport. It should be said with sincerity and a deep sense of reliance on Allah. The traveler should reflect on the meaning of each phrase, acknowledging Allah's power and their own dependence. It's a moment to pause, even amidst the bustle of departure, and connect with the Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua fulfills the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offering protection and ease during travel. It fosters a mindset of gratitude, recognizing that all means of travel and safe passage are from Allah. By seeking refuge from the 'hardships of the journey, the distress of seeing evil, and the bad turn in property and family,' one is actively invoking Allah's protection over themselves, their belongings, and their loved ones left behind. It cultivates a profound sense of Allah's companionship and guardianship.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them): When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out on a journey, he would say Takbir three times, and then say: 'Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibuna. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-'amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha watwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fis-safari wal-khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thais-safari wa ka'abatil-manzhari wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.' (And when he returned, he recited this same supplication and added: 'We are returning travelers repenting, worshipping, and praising our Lord.')