سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا البِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَمِنَ العَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ اللَّهُمَّ أَنتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ المَنْظَرِ وَسُوءِ المُنْقَلَبِ فِي المَالِ وَالأَهْلِ. (In addition to this, a personal dua can be made seeking peace and contemplation)
Glory be to Him Who has subjected this (transport) to us, and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will surely return. O Allah, we ask You in this journey of ours for righteousness and piety, and for such deeds as are pleasing to You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us, and make its distance short 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 hardships of the journey, and the evil sight, and from bad situations when returning to the family and property.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibuna. 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 fis-safari, wal-khaliifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abil-manzari, wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.
When to Read
This dua is traditionally recited when embarking on a journey, whether it's a long expedition or a shorter trip. The solitary nature of travel, especially in our modern age where we might be physically alone even amidst technology, provides a unique opportunity for introspection. As the scenery changes and daily routines fade, our minds can become more open to reflecting on our lives, our purpose, and our connection with Allah. Recite this upon leaving your home and commencing your travel.
How to Read
It is best recited when you are settled into your mode of transport and have begun your journey. Begin with the prescribed words taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. After reciting the parts that seek protection and ease in travel, take a moment for personal supplication. You can then make your own sincere dua for peace of mind, clarity of thought, and deep reflection during your time away. Remember to face the Qiblah if possible, and to raise your hands in supplication, maintaining a state of humility and earnestness before Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encapsulates seeking Allah's favor for a smooth journey, protection from its difficulties, and His companionship in our absence. The act of travelling itself, especially alone, can be a powerful catalyst for reflection. Allah tells us in the Quran: > **Arabic:** وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ ۖ وَالنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَاتٌ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ > **Translation:** "And He has subjected to you the night and day and the sun and the moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason." (An-Nahl 16:12) By reflecting on the signs of Allah in creation, which travel allows us to observe more intimately, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of His power and mercy. Solitude on a journey strips away distractions, making it an ideal time to ponder our deeds, seek forgiveness, and strengthen our connection with our Creator. This dua helps us to acknowledge our reliance on Him for safety and guidance, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, when he ascended a military expedition, used to recite Takbir three times, and when he descended, he would say 'Subhanallah' three times. And when he stood up for a need, he used to say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibuna. 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 fis-safari, wal-khaliifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari, wa ka'abil-manzari, wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.' And when he returned, he would recite these words and add to them: 'Ayibuna ila Rabbina ta'ibuna, 'abiduna, li Rabbina hamiduna.' (We return, repenting to our Lord, worshipping, praising our Lord.)