اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ وَالْحَوْرِ بَعْدَ الْكَوْرِ وَدَعْوَةِ الْمَظْلُومِ وَسُوءِ الْمَنْظَرِ فِي الأَهْلِ وَالْمَالِ وَالْوَلَدِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, the sorrow of returning (to a changed situation), [and from] returning to disbelief after guidance; the call of the oppressed, and the evil sight (seeing misfortune) regarding my family, my wealth, and my children.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari wa ka'abatil-munqalabi wal-hawri ba'dal-kawri wa da'watil-mazhloomi wa su'il-manzhari fil-ahli wal-mali wal-walad
When to Read
This dua is specifically for when embarking on a journey, particularly when you anticipate challenges or fear the negative aspects that can arise during or after travel. It's a comprehensive supplication that covers potential difficulties faced by the traveler, their return, and the well-being of their loved ones and possessions.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely when you begin your journey. It's best recited when you are physically setting out, perhaps after offering your prayers or just before mounting your transport. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, and utter these words with earnestness and a heart full of reliance on Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua offers immense protection by seeking Allah's refuge from various potential adversities. It safeguards against the physical and emotional strains of travel ('wa'tha'is-safari'), the distress of returning to a place or situation that has changed for the worse ('ka'abatil-munqalabi'), and even the spiritual danger of reverting to misguidance after having been on the right path ('al-hawri ba'dal-kawri'). It also shields you from the potent prayers of those who have been wronged ('da'watil-mazhloomi') and any misfortune that might befall your family, wealth, or children ('su'il-manzhari fil-ahli wal-mali wal-walad'). It's a holistic shield for the traveler.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to say, when he mounted his camel for the journey: > **Arabic:** اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ وَالْحَوْرِ بَعْدَ الْكَوْرِ وَدَعْوَةِ الْمَظْلُومِ وَسُوءِ الْمَنْظَرِ فِي الأَهْلِ وَالْمَالِ وَالْوَلَدِ > **Translation:** "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, the sorrow of returning (to a changed situation), [and from] returning to disbelief after guidance; the call of the oppressed, and the evil sight (seeing misfortune) regarding my family, my wealth, and my children." — Sahih Muslim 2709