سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will return.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
When to Read
This powerful declaration is recited when embarking on a journey, especially when unexpected stops, delays, or changes in plans occur. It serves as a beautiful reminder of Allah's control over all affairs, even when our own itineraries are disrupted. Use it when your train is delayed, your flight is rerouted, or your car breaks down unexpectedly on the road. It's a moment to pause, acknowledge the bigger picture, and trust in the divine plan.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and a humble heart. As you say 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha' (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us), reflect on how even the means of travel (vehicles, paths) are Allah's creation and are under His command. When you say 'wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina' (and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves), acknowledge your own limitations and dependence on Allah's grace. The final part, 'Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun' (And indeed, to our Lord we will return), is a profound reminder of our ultimate destination, fostering patience and acceptance during trials.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua offers immense peace and perspective when faced with travel disruptions. It shifts our focus from frustration to remembrance of Allah (dhikr). By acknowledging His dominion over our journey and our lives, we cultivate patience (sabr), reduce anxiety, and strengthen our tawakkul (reliance on Allah). It reminds us that even delays can be part of Allah's wisdom, guiding us towards outcomes we might not have foreseen, often for our own benefit.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out on a journey, he would say the takbir three times, then say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-'amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha watwi 'anna bu'dahu. Allahumma Antas-sahibu fi-s-safar, wal-khalifatu fi-l- ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thasi-s-safari wa kabati-l-mandhari wa sui-l-munqalabi fi-l-mali wal ahli.' (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will return. O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and taqwa in our journey, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor in the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of the journey, and from seeing a sad sight in my family and wealth.)