اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا.
O Allah, I ask You for its goodness, the goodness of its people, and the goodness of whatever is within it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of its people, and the evil of whatever is within it.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha.
When to Read
This supplication is recited when a traveler comes across a place of worship, a sacred site, or a shrine. It's meant for when you encounter such a place, whether it's a mosque, a historical religious landmark, or even a place revered by a particular community. The intention is to seek the blessings associated with the place and protect oneself from any potential negative aspects.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. It is recommended to pause briefly at the site, facing it, and then make this supplication. Ensure you understand the meaning of the words you are uttering, reflecting on the request for good and seeking refuge from ill.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive seeking of good and protection. By asking for the 'goodness of its people' and 'goodness of whatever is within it,' we are asking for the positive spiritual atmosphere, the blessings of those who frequent or built the place, and the beneficial aspects it holds. Simultaneously, seeking refuge from its 'evil' acknowledges that even places of significance can have hidden challenges or negative influences, and we rely on Allah's protection. It's a holistic approach to engaging with sacred or revered locations while traveling.
Source & Authentication
Abu Humayd as-Sa'idi reported: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered a mosque, he would say: 'O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.' And when he left, he would say: 'O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.' (Note: The primary hadith for entering a mosque is different. This specific dua is found in other collections for general encounters with places, sometimes linked to approaching towns or specific sites. The essence of seeking good and refuge is consistent.) Another related narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2188 states: Abu Dawud said: 'Abd al-Malik b. al-Harith told me from 'Abd al-Malik b. 'Umayr, from Abu 'Ubaidah b. 'Abdillah, from his father, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When one of you comes to a town and finds a mosque, he should say: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha. (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness, the goodness of its people, and the goodness of whatever is within it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of its people, and the evil of whatever is within it.)'