سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will certainly return.
Subhana alladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinīn. Wa inna ila Rabbina la munqalibun.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited when embarking on a journey, particularly when starting the travel for Hajj or Umrah. It's meant to be said when you set off, whether it's stepping out of your home, getting into your vehicle, or boarding a plane. It’s a recognition of Allah’s power in making the journey possible and a reminder of our ultimate return to Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and contemplation, understanding each word. It is traditionally said when one's mount (or vehicle) is prepared for departure. While the original context was riding animals, the principle applies to modern modes of transport. It's best recited before or as you begin the actual movement of your journey, acknowledging Allah’s dominion over all means of travel. You can say it alone or with your fellow travelers.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates gratitude and reliance on Allah for safe passage and journey. It acknowledges that no journey is truly possible without Allah’s facilitation. By reciting it, you are seeking Allah's protection throughout your Hajj or Umrah trip, asking Him to make the travel itself a means of drawing closer to Him and a reminder of our ultimate destination – our return to the Creator. It fosters humility and dependence, essential spiritual states for a blessed pilgrimage.
Source & Authentication
When Ibn 'Umar intended to set out on a journey, he would say: 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest). Then he would say: 'Subhana alladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinīn. Wa inna ila Rabbina la munqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal 'amali ma tarḍa. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha wa tawil 'alaina bu'dahu. Allahumma Anta al-Sahibu fi s-safar, wal-khalifatu fi l-ahl. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thā'i s-safar, wa kabati l-manẓar, wa su'i l-munqalabi fi l-mali wal-ahl.' (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will certainly return. O Allah, we ask You in this journey of ours for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that please 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 in the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, the distress of seeing evil, and the evil situation when returning to wealth and family.)' Sahih Muslim 1342