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 by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will return.
Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
When to Read
This dua is specifically recommended to be recited upon mounting any mode of transport, whether it's a bus, train, car, airplane, or even a boat. It's a beautiful reminder of Allah's power when starting a journey, and perfectly applicable to the dangers we might face on public transport.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction as you begin your journey. Focus on the meaning: acknowledging Allah's power in making travel possible and submitting to His ultimate decree. You can recite it before you board, or as you are settling into your seat.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua when commencing a journey acknowledges Allah's sovereignty over all means of transport. It reminds us that our safety and ability to travel are gifts from Him. By reciting it, we seek His protection and express our reliance on Him, turning what could be a mundane act into an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua, and by following his Sunnah, we gain immense blessings and divine care. It reminds us that our ultimate destination is to Allah, fostering humility and gratitude for the journey of life and the journeys we take within it.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would mount his riding camel to set out on a journey, he would say three times: ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the Greatest). Then he would say: ‘Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.’ (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 return.) Then he would supplicate: ‘O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety in our journey, and good deeds, and a return to our family and property without any harm or loss.’ And when he returned, he would say the same words and supplicate: ‘We are returning, repenting, worshipping, and to our Lord we will return.’ (Sunan Abi Dawud 2602, Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3439 – graded Hasan).