اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذَا السَّفَرِ وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ هَذَا السَّفَرِ وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِرَكَةَ الأَرْضِ وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ الأَرْضِ وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا.
O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this journey and the goodness of what it contains, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this journey and the evil of what it contains. O Allah, I ask You for the blessings of the land, and the goodness of its people, and the goodness of whatever is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the land, and the evil of its people, and the evil of whatever is in it.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadhas-safari wa khayra ma fihi wa a'udhu bika min sharri hadhas-safari wa sharri ma fihi. Allahumma inni as'aluka barakatil-ardi wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha wa a'udhu bika min sharri al-ardi wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha.
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when embarking on a journey, especially to a new place with unfamiliar customs and ways of life. Reciting it at the start of your travel, whether by land, air, or sea, can set a positive tone and invoke Allah's protection and guidance. It's also good to repeat it when you feel the disorientation or discomfort of culture shock setting in, reminding yourself of Allah's presence and asking for ease in understanding.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction. Understand the meaning of each phrase and connect with Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It is best recited when you are facing the direction of travel or seated in your mode of transport. Raising your hands slightly is also part of the etiquette of making dua. Focus on seeking Allah's assistance in navigating the new environment with wisdom and good character.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua offers profound benefits for a traveler. Firstly, it seeks Allah's protection from all the potential physical and spiritual dangers of a journey, acknowledging that true safety lies only with Him. Secondly, it specifically asks for the 'goodness' and 'blessings' of the destination and its people, fostering an attitude of openness and seeking positive experiences. For someone experiencing culture shock, this dua encourages a mindset of seeking understanding and appreciating the good aspects of the new culture, rather than focusing solely on differences or difficulties. It helps in transforming potential challenges into opportunities for learning and personal growth, all under Allah's watchful care.
Source & Authentication
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to teach his Companions, when they set out on a journey, the following invocation: 'O Allah, Lord of the heavens and what they shade, Lord of the earths and what they carry, Lord of the winds and what they stir up, Lord of the devils and what they lead astray, I ask You for the goodness of this town (journey) and the goodness of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this town (journey) and the evil of what is in it. And I seek refuge in You from the evil of the devil, and from the evil of what is in it, and from the evil of what it (the devil) leads to.' (Sahih Muslim 1342). Note: The version provided is a slightly more generalized version often used for travel in general, which is also authentic and applicable, but the original narration specifies 'town'. The essence of seeking good and refuge from evil remains.