بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.
Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
When to Read
This dua is profoundly suited for any Muslim embarking on a journey, especially when that journey involves stepping out of their comfort zone to undertake a challenging volunteer effort. Whether you're heading to a disaster relief site, a community project facing significant obstacles, or any endeavor requiring immense patience and resilience, reciting this upon leaving your home is a powerful way to anchor yourself in divine support. It's about acknowledging that the strength and ability to succeed in this difficult cause come from Allah alone, even before you face the first hurdle.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere conviction just as you are stepping out of your home, or even as you are about to open the door. Pause for a moment and truly feel the meaning of each word. 'Bismillah' – starting with Allah's name, the source of all blessings and protection. 'Tawakkaltu 'ala Allah' – consciously surrendering your affairs to Him, acknowledging His ultimate control. 'Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' – recognizing that no change or strength can occur without His will and power. This isn't just a vocalization; it's an internal re-calibration, aligning your will with Allah's.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua upon leaving home is a Sunnah that guarantees protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When a person goes out of his house and says: 'Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah,' it will be said to him: 'You are guided, you are taken care of, and you are defended.' So the Shaytan will not come near him and another Shaytan will say to him: 'What can you do to a man who has been guided, taken care of and defended?' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5095, graded Sahih by Al-Albani). For a difficult cause, this means Allah's divine protection is with you, guiding your steps, and shielding you from difficulties that are beyond your human capacity. It instills a deep sense of peace and readiness, knowing you are not undertaking this challenge alone.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever says, when he leaves his house: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an adilla aw udalla aw azilla aw uzalla aw azlima aw uzlama aw ajhala aw yuhjala 'alay (O Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I should stray or be led astray, or slip or be tripped, or do wrong or be wronged, or act foolishly or be acted upon foolishly)', then Allah will suffice him from all these things.' And when he leaves his house to perform the prayer, he should say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min qahril-waba wa 'adhabin-nar wa su'al-khamma al-jahl (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of the Fire; and from the evil of the great trial, and the evil of the day of sacrifice, and the evil of the unbearable punishment, and the evil of leprosy and madness).' Then Allah will suffice him from all these things. (Sunan Abi Dawud 5095). This is a related hadith that emphasizes seeking refuge in Allah before embarking on any undertaking. The specific dua for leaving home, 'Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah', is also widely narrated and authentic, fulfilling the criteria for guidance and protection.