سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it on our own. And to our Lord we will surely return.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
When to Read
This dua is recited when embarking on a journey, particularly when traveling by night. The journey itself, whether by land, sea, or air, warrants seeking Allah's protection and acknowledging His power over all means of conveyance and travel. Reciting it as you set off into the darkness of the night amplifies the reliance on Allah for safe passage through a time often associated with greater vulnerability.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and a clear intention of seeking Allah's safeguard and acknowledging His dominion over the journey. It is traditionally recited upon mounting a mode of transport, be it a car, train, plane, or boat. Reflect on the meaning of the words, recognizing that no travel is possible without Allah's will and that all journeys ultimately lead back to Him.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua not only invokes Allah's protection during travel, especially at night, but also instills humility and gratitude. It serves as a constant reminder of our dependence on the Creator for safety and success in all our endeavors. The acknowledgment of returning to Allah grounds the traveler, fostering a sense of accountability and spiritual awareness throughout the journey.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When a traveler would mount his animal for a journey, he would say Takbir (Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest) three times, and then say: 'Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have accomplished it on our own. And to our Lord we will surely return.' (Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.) Then he would say: 'O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety in this journey of ours, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and make its distance short. O Allah, You are the Companion in the journey and the Successor in the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of this journey, from seeing misfortune in the family and in property.' And when he returned, he would recite these words and say: 'We return with repentance, seeking to return to worship, to our Lord we are devout.'