سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Glory be to Allah, Who has subjected this [transport] to us, and we could never have accomplished it on our own. And to our Lord we shall surely return.
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
When to Read
This dua is traditionally recited when embarking on a journey, particularly by vehicle. For those undertaking Hajj and Umrah, it's perfect for saying as you set off from home, board your flight, or start any leg of your travel. It's a beautiful acknowledgment of Allah's power over the means of transport and the ultimate return to Him.
How to Read
Recite this sincerely with the intention of acknowledging Allah's dominion. It's best recited upon actually mounting or boarding the means of transport, whether it's a car, bus, train, or airplane. Raising your hands is not specifically mentioned for this dua, but a posture of humility and reflection is appropriate.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua not only ensures the traveler's safety and ease of journey but also serves as a profound reminder of Allah's grace in providing the means for travel. It instills humility by acknowledging that without Allah's assistance, such journeys would be impossible. The phrase 'and to our Lord we shall surely return' is a constant reminder of accountability and the eternal destination, grounding the traveler in their faith throughout their spiritual journey.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from 'Uqbah bin 'Amir that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wished to mount his camel for a journey, he would say Takbir three times, and then say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Vicegerent among the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of the journey, from seeing a sad sight, and from finding a wretched recipient [i.e., misfortune] in my family and property. O Allah, make the journey easy for us and roll up the distance for us.' When he returned, he would say these words, and: 'We are returning, repenting, worshipping, and to our Lord we shall return.'