بِسْمِ اللهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ، وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ، أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ، أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ، أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah. There is no might nor power except with Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from straying or being led astray, from slipping or causing others to slip, from wronging or being wronged, and from acting foolishly or being treated foolishly.
Bismillahi, tawakkaltu 'alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala 'alayya.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited when embarking on a journey. It is particularly relevant when traveling to new lands where you might encounter different customs, languages, and social norms, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Reciting it at the start of your trip, and perhaps even at the beginning of a new day while traveling, invokes Allah's protection and guidance.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, ideally right before you step out for your journey or as you begin your travel. It is a personal supplication, so it can be recited softly or audibly, depending on your comfort and the situation. The emphasis should be on the inner state of reliance upon Allah and seeking His protection from all forms of error, harm, and ignorance, whether self-inflicted or imposed by others. Understanding the meaning of each phrase enhances its impact.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses comprehensive protection for a traveler. It seeks refuge from straying from the right path (being misguided) or causing others to stray. It asks for protection from personal mistakes that could lead to a fall (literal or metaphorical) and from causing others to stumble. It also seeks protection from injustice, both by wronging others and by being wronged. Finally, it asks for protection from ignorance, encompassing acting foolishly oneself or being subjected to ignorance from others. This is incredibly valuable when navigating unfamiliar cultural landscapes where misunderstandings can arise due to differences in knowledge, customs, or communication styles. It's a complete protection prayer for body, mind, and spirit.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Anas ibn Malik: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When you leave your house, recite: Bismillahi, tawakkaltu 'alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. (In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah. There is no might nor power except with Allah). It will be said to you: You have been guided, defended and protected. The devil will stand aside from you. Another devil will say: How can you deal with a person who has been guided, defended and protected?