اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا، اللَّهُمَّ فَارْزُقْنِي جَلَدَهَا وَفِقْهَهَا وَارْزُقْنِي الرِّزْقَ الْوَاسِعَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this place and the goodness of its people and the goodness of all that is in it. 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. O Allah, grant me its resilience and understanding, and grant me abundant provision from Your grace.
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. Allahumma farzuqni jalaha wa fiqhaha warzuqni ar-rizqal wasi'a min fadlik.
When to Read
Recite this dua when arriving in a new place, especially if you anticipate or are experiencing culture shock. It's beneficial to say it upon entering a new town, city, or country, or even a new community within your own country, to seek Allah's protection and guidance in navigating unfamiliar environments and social norms. Say it before you disembark from your transport or step out into the new surroundings.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, facing the new environment or directing your plea towards the Kaaba if possible. Raise your hands slightly in supplication as you begin. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase, asking Allah for the best this new place has to offer and seeking His protection from its potential harms. Focus on understanding and adapting, rather than judging or withdrawing.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is comprehensive for a traveler. It seeks the 'khayr' (goodness) of the place, its people, and all within it, acknowledging that every creation has both positive and negative aspects. It also seeks refuge ('a'udhu') from the 'sharr' (evil) of the place, its people, and its contents, which can encompass anything that might lead to harm, sin, or distress. Crucially, it asks for 'jalaha' (resilience, strength, composure) to handle challenges and 'fiqh' (understanding, wisdom, insight) to comprehend the new culture and its people, which is key to overcoming culture shock. Finally, it requests 'rizq' (provision), acknowledging our dependence on Allah for sustenance in all circumstances. By asking for understanding ('fiqh'), we are seeking Allah's help to bridge cultural divides and foster positive interactions.
Source & Authentication
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated: We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on a journey, and he said: 'O people, the seeking of refuge in Allah is a means of protection. When any one of you alights in a place, let him say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadha al-mawti wa khayra ahlihi wa khayra ma fihi, wa a'udhu bika min sharri hadha al-mawti wa sharri ahlihi wa sharri ma fihi.' (O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this place and the goodness of its people and the goodness of all that is in it. 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.)' Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'And it is compulsory for a man to depart from his home when he is traveling, and to say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka fi safari hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal 'amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha, watwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Anta as-sahibu fi as-safari wal-khalifatu fi al-ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thasi as-safari wa ka'abil manthari wa su'il munqalabi fi al-mali wal-ahli.' (O Allah, I ask You for righteousness and piety in this journey of mine, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and let us cover the distance. O Allah, You are the Companion in the journey and the One Who looks after the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of the journey, and the evil of what I see, and evil in my family and my wealth.)' (This is a combined narration from Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 2732, and Book 4, Hadith 2733, with specific reference to the first part for the dua of alighting in a place.)