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 the sorrow of returning, from setbacks after recovery, from the supplication of the oppressed, and from seeing misfortune in my family and my property.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thaa'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-munqalabi, wal-hawri ba'dal-kawri, wa da'watil-mazhloomi, wa soo'il-manzari fil-ahli wal-maal.
When to Read
This dua is specifically for a traveler. It should be recited when embarking on a journey, ideally before setting off or upon mounting one's transport. The mention of 'ka'abatil-munqalabi' (sorrow of returning) also suggests reciting it with the intention of a safe and pleasant return trip.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus. Raise your hands slightly if possible, as is customary when making dua. Understand the meaning of each phrase you are uttering, seeking Allah's protection from the specific difficulties mentioned. It's recommended to do this when you are in a state of readiness to travel, having made necessary preparations.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua covers several crucial aspects of a journey. It seeks protection from the physical and emotional challenges of travel ('wa'thaa'is-safari'), the disappointment or sadness upon returning home ('ka'abatil-munqalabi'), and the painful experience of declining after progress or improvement ('al-hawri ba'dal-kawri'). Importantly, it also invokes protection against the powerful and potentially devastating 'da'watil-mazhloomi' (supplication of the oppressed), which is a serious matter in Islam. Finally, it guards against 'soo'il-manzari fil-ahli wal-maal' (seeing misfortune in family and property), ensuring Allah's protection over one's loved ones and possessions.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to say, when he set out on a journey: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thaa'is-safari, wa ka'abatil-munqalabi, wal-hawri ba'dal-kawri, wa da'watil-mazhloomi, wa soo'il-manzari fil-ahli wal-maal." (Sahih Muslim 1342).