بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.
Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited as you step out of your home, whether for a short trip to the market or a long journey. It's a moment of transition where we acknowledge our complete reliance on Allah for safety, guidance, and indeed, for encountering the right people.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and a heart full of reliance on Allah. As you step out, utter these words, visualizing Allah's protection surrounding you and guiding your path. The intention behind it is to seek Allah's blessings for your outing and to ask Him to place you in good company, or to protect you from bad influences, even if the specific words for seeking companionship aren't explicit in this particular utterance. The overall reliance and seeking of Allah's help inherently encompass all aspects of the journey, including the people you meet.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua upon leaving home is a Sunnah that brings immense blessings and protection. It signifies complete trust in Allah (Tawakkul), which is a highly rewarded state. When one says this, it is said to them: 'You are guided, defended and protected.' The devil then moves away from them and another devil says: 'How can you deal with a man who is already guided, defended and protected?' This dua, by seeking Allah's protection and guidance, implicitly asks for positive interactions and the avoidance of harmful company.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When a man leaves his house and says: 'Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah' (In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah), it is said to him: 'You are guided, defended and protected.' The devil then moves away from him and another devil says: 'How can you deal with a man who is already guided, defended and protected?'" — Sunan Abi Dawud 5095. This narration is found in Tirmidhi (3426) and Nasa'i as well, graded Sahih.