اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا
O Allah, I ask of You its goodness, and the goodness of its inhabitants, and the goodness of all that is in it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, and the evil of its inhabitants, and the evil of all that is in it.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ahliha wa khaira ma fiha wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha
When to Read
This dua is specifically for entering a new place, which directly applies to arriving in a foreign country for work. You can recite it upon entering the city, neighborhood, or even the specific building where you hope to find employment. It's also beneficial to recite it at the beginning of your job search journey in the new land, asking Allah to guide you to the best opportunities.
How to Read
This dua should be recited after you have settled on your destination and are about to enter it. Raise your hands, facing the direction of the place you are entering if possible, and supplicate with sincerity. Believe that Allah hears your prayer and will guide you. It's also good practice to combine this with seeking lawful (halal) means of sustenance, which is already implied by the intention of seeking halal employment.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking refuge in Allah and asking for His best when entering a new place protects you from the unseen evils and harms associated with that place and its people. For someone seeking employment abroad, this translates to protection from deceptive employers, unlawful practices, or environments that might compromise your faith or well-being. It's a comprehensive supplication that encompasses both seeking good and warding off evil in a new, potentially challenging environment.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘When you dismount in a place, say: A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created).’ When he travelled and dismounted at a place, he used to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of that place. And when he took shade under a tree, he would say: Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ahliha wa khaira ma fiha wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha (O Allah, I ask of You its goodness, and the goodness of its inhabitants, and the goodness of all that is in it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, and the evil of its inhabitants, and the evil of all that is in it.)