سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَـٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have done it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will surely return.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina la-munqalibun.
When to Read
This dua is specifically recited when embarking on a journey, whether by land, sea, or air. As you begin your travel, and especially when you ascend or mount your mode of transport, this supplication is a powerful way to acknowledge Allah's power and your reliance on Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and full belief in Allah's power. Face the direction of your travel if possible, and say it clearly. It's often recited once after settling into your vehicle or seat, as you prepare to depart. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught us to say 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) three times and then say this dua when climbing a height, and to say 'Subhan Allah' (Glory be to Allah) when descending.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua affirms our submission to Allah and acknowledges that all means of travel and power are from Him. It brings protection during the journey and reminds us of our ultimate return to Allah, fostering humility and awareness of our dependence on Him. It's a comprehensive statement of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) applied to the act of travel, seeking His assistance in navigating the world He created.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood up to travel on a journey, he would say Takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and then say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina la-munqalibun.' (Glory be to Him Who made this serviceable for us and not by our strength, and to our Lord we are returning.) He would then say: 'O Allah, I ask You for goodness and piety in this journey, and good deeds, and deeds that please You. I ask You for the hardship of travel and to represent my family well. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor over the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of this journey and from seeing an unhappy sight, and from seeing my family and wealth in any misfortune. O Allah, do not let me come across any badness, and do not let me be a disobedient one.' When he returned, he would say these words and repeat them and add: 'We are returning, repenting, worshipping, and to our Lord we are making supplication.'