سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا البِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ، وَمِنَ العَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَىٰ، 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
Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will certainly return. O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and taqwa (piety) in our journey, and for deeds that please 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 one in charge of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, the unpleasant sight, and evil consequences in wealth and family.
Subhanal-ladhi 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-khalifatu fil- ahli. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'is-safari wa ka'abatil-mandhari wa su'il-munqalabi fil-mali wal- ahli.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is recommended to be recited when embarking on a journey, whether by land, sea, or air. It is particularly fitting when beginning the actual travel, after having made all the necessary preparations.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention. Pause after each section to reflect on its meaning. When saying 'Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara...', acknowledge Allah's power in making travel possible. When asking 'Allahumma inna nas'aluka...', express your desire for Allah's pleasure and guidance. The supplication 'Allahumma a'udhu bika...' is a shield against potential difficulties. It is best recited while seated in the mode of transport, or just before setting off.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua ensures that your journey is undertaken with Allah's protection and blessing. It is a powerful supplication that seeks His help in navigating the physical and spiritual challenges of travel. By asking for 'al-birr wat-taqwa' (righteousness and piety), you are ensuring that your journey is not just physically smooth but also spiritually rewarding. Seeking refuge from 'wa'tha'is-safari' (hardships of the journey) and 'ka'abatil-mandhari' (unpleasant sight) is a way of preemptively asking Allah to shield you from any physical or emotional distress. The part 'wal-khalifatu fil- ahli' shows trust in Allah to protect your loved ones left behind.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say, when he returned from a journey: 'Ayibuna, ta'ibuna, 'abiduna, li-Rabbina hamiduna' (We return repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord). He said this while riding his camel, and when he returned, he would say this supplication: 'Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha...' (Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us...)