اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا
O Allah, I ask You for the good of this place and the good of its people and the good of all that is in it. And I seek refuge in You from the evil of this place and the evil of its people and the evil of all that is in 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 dua is recited upon entering a new town or city, especially when traveling. It's particularly relevant when facing unfamiliar environments and potential communication challenges, as it encompasses seeking the blessings of the place and its inhabitants while warding off any potential difficulties.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, ideally upon arriving at your destination. Visualize seeking Allah's protection and blessings for your stay. It's a good practice to also try and learn a few basic greetings or phrases in the local language beforehand, showing respect and facilitating smoother interactions.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua seeks Allah's protection and blessings for the traveler and the place they are entering. It acknowledges that all good comes from Allah and that He is the ultimate protector from all harm. By seeking the good of the people, it fosters a positive intention for interaction, which can, insha'Allah, lead to more understanding and helpful encounters, even amidst language barriers.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn al-Sajf: When the Prophet ﷺ sent us out for an expedition and we came to a town, we would recite: "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 the good of this place and the good of its people and the good of all that is in it. And I seek refuge in You from the evil of this place and the evil of its people and the evil of all that is in it.) - (Graded Hasan by many scholars, mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud and others)