سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَىٰ اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ اللَّهُمَّ أَنتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالأَهْلِ
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 return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for goodness and piety, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and let its distance be short for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the One Who looks after the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, from a sorrowful sight, and from evil consequences in wealth and family.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal 'amalima tardha. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha, w-atwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fis-safari wal-Khalifatu fil-ahl. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-manzari, wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is recited when embarking on a journey. It should be said upon setting off, ideally when the vehicle begins to move or when physically departing from one's home.
How to Read
This dua encapsulates a profound sense of reliance on Allah and humility. Recite it with sincere intention, reflecting on each phrase. Upon saying the first part ('Subhanalladhi...'), it's Sunnah to repeat it three times. When starting the journey, it's also recommended to say 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) three times, followed by the remainder of the dua. It's about acknowledging Allah's power and seeking His protection and facilitation throughout the travel.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua offers immense blessings and protection. It acknowledges Allah's power in making travel possible, asks for His pleasure in our actions during the journey, and seeks His assistance in making the journey smooth and easy. Most importantly, it invokes Allah's protection, asking Him to safeguard our wealth, family, and ourselves from the difficulties and unpleasantness that can befall travelers.
Source & Authentication
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out on a military expedition, or when he travelled, he would say: 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest), and then say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal 'amalima tardha. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha, w-atwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fis-safari wal-Khalifatu fil-ahl. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-manzari, wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.' And when he returned, he would say these words and add to them: 'Ayibuna ila Rabbina, ta'ibuna, 'a'ibuna li-'adatika ma lam nabqa.' (We return to our Lord, we repent, we worship, and we feel no need [to return to anything]).