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 achieved it. And indeed, 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 using a mode of transport that Allah has made available to us. Seeing a shooting star can be a powerful reminder of the vastness of Allah's creation and the mechanisms He has put in place, which prompts reflection on the initial statement of this dua about Allah subjecting creation for our benefit. While the primary context is travel, the sentiment of glorifying Allah for His power and control over the universe is deeply relevant when witnessing celestial events like shooting stars.
How to Read
This dua is traditionally recited upon boarding a vehicle or vessel, acknowledging Allah's power in making such means of transport available. When seeing a shooting star, one can reflect on this powerful act of Allah and recite this dua, or a portion of it, with a heart full of awe and wonder at His creation. It's about internalizing the meaning: recognizing Allah's dominion and our eventual return to Him. The emphasis is on sincerity and understanding the words spoken, not just reciting them mechanically.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua upon embarking on a journey brings a sense of security and protection from Allah. It acknowledges His power over the means of travel and affirms our reliance on Him. When contemplated upon seeing a shooting star, it deepens our appreciation for Allah's boundless power and control over the universe. It fosters humility by reminding us that everything we have, including the means to travel or witness such phenomena, is a gift from Him, and that our ultimate destiny is to return to our Creator. This reflection can be a profound source of spiritual upliftment and a strengthening of our faith.
Source & Authentication
The Companion Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mounted his camel for a journey, he would say Takbir three times, and when he dismounted, he would say Subhan Allah three times. And when he stood up (after the journey), he would say: 'Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinina, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. 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 fi-s-safar, wal-Khalifatu fi-l-ahl. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'thas-sajari wa su'il-manzhari wa su'il-mungalabi fi-l-mali wal-ahl.' (O Allah, we ask You in this journey of ours for righteousness and piety, 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 Successor in the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of the journey, and from seeing sad sights, and from evil consequences in wealth and family.)