اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ، وَالْحَوْرِ بَعْدَ الْكَوْرِ، وَدَعْوَةِ الْمَظْلُومِ، وَسُوءِ الْمَنْظَرِ فِي الأَهْلِ وَالْمَالِ.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from a sorrowful homecoming, from returning to a worse state after having been in a good state, from the supplication of the oppressed, and from seeing misfortune in my family and my property.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-munqalabi, wal-hawri ba'dal-kawri, wa da'watil-mazhloomi, wa soo'il-mandhari fil-ahli wal-mali.
When to Read
This dua is especially potent when you're embarking on a journey and anticipate potential difficulties, but it's also incredibly relevant when unexpected delays or disruptions occur. Whether your flight is canceled, your train is delayed, or you encounter unforeseen obstacles on the road, reciting this supplication acknowledges that these challenges are beyond your control and seeks Allah's protection and guidance through them. It's a reminder to turn to Him when plans go awry.
How to Read
This is a comprehensive dua recited when starting a journey, but its essence can be invoked during disruptions. Ideally, face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands (as you would in earnest supplication), and recite it with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning: acknowledging the difficulties of travel, the potential for negative outcomes (both in returning home and in seeing harm befall your loved ones or possessions), and seeking Allah's refuge from these troubles. Even if you can't perform the full etiquette, calling upon Allah with this sentiment in your heart during a delay is beneficial.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua offers protection against the common and uncommon hardships of travel. It seeks refuge from the physical and emotional toll of difficult journeys ('wa'tha'is-safari'), the sadness of returning home in a worse state than when you left ('ka'abatil-munqalabi'), and the regret of losing what you had ('al-hawri ba'dal-kawri'). Crucially, it also asks for protection from the prayers of those who have been wronged ('da'watil-mazhloomi') and from seeing any harm or loss come to one's family or property ('soo'il-mandhari fil-ahli wal-mali'). Reciting this prepares you mentally and spiritually for the unpredictability of travel, fostering patience and reliance on Allah when things don't go as planned.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both): Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to teach them to say these words when they departed on a journey: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-munqalabi, wal-hawri ba'dal-kawri, wa da'watil-mazhloomi, wa soo'il-mandhari fil-ahli wal-mali.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from a sorrowful homecoming, from returning to a worse state after having been in a good state, from the supplication of the oppressed, and from seeing misfortune in my family and my property.)