اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا
O Allah, I ask You for its goodness, the goodness of its inhabitants, and the goodness of whatever is in it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of its inhabitants, and the evil of whatever is in it.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha.
When to Read
This dua is recited when you arrive in a new town, city, or even a significant new location for the first time. It's a beautiful way to begin your experience in an unfamiliar place by seeking Allah's protection and blessings. Imagine stepping off a plane into a new country, or entering a village you've never visited before. This is the moment to pause, take in your surroundings, and offer this supplication.
How to Read
Stand, face the direction of the place (or simply raise your hands slightly in supplication if facing a specific direction isn't feasible), and recite this dua sincerely. It's about acknowledging Allah's ownership of all places and seeking His favor for your time there. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to actively seek the good and ward off the evil, even in a physical location.
Virtues & Benefits
By reciting this dua, you are actively seeking Allah's protection from any potential harm or negativity associated with the new place or its people. You are also proactively asking for the best that the place has to offer – its opportunities, its blessings, and the good character of its inhabitants. It instills a sense of reliance on Allah (tawakkul) and humility when entering any new environment, recognizing that all good comes from Him.
Source & Authentication
The full narration concerning this dua is often found in books of supplications. It is narrated that when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) would travel and stop in a valley or a place, he would say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadhihi al-wadi wa khayra ahlihi, wa a'udhu bika min sharri ma fiha wa sharri ahliha, wa a'udhu bika min sharri ma yadh-ruru fiha.' (O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this valley and the goodness of its inhabitants, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of what is in it and the evil of its inhabitants, and I seek refuge in You from the evil that harms within it.) The version provided is a slightly generalized form applicable to any new place.