Travelling always brings about an element of unpredictability. No matter how meticulously you plan, you can never foresee the course or outcome of your journey. It is an unfortunate reality that countless lives are lost each year due to car accidents and plane crashes. This is where the protective power of Islam comes into play. Islam, a beautiful religion, teaches us to place our faith in Allah (SWT) and live our lives in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One of the remarkable aspects of Islam is that it provides us with supplications (duas) for almost every occasion, including sitting, eating, sleeping, and of course, traveling. By reciting these duas, a Muslim seeks the assistance and protection of Allah (SWT), recognizing that He alone can shield us from accidents and other potential dangers. Let’s delve deeper into the duas for traveling.
What Does Allah Say About Traveling?
The Holy Quran, the religious book of Islam and the ultimate guide for Muslims, characterizes life as a journey. In this analogy, ignorance is akin to darkness, while knowledge represents light along the way. While the Quran offers numerous insights for Muslims to follow in order to experience a fulfilling worldly and spiritual journey, it also emphasizes the significance of physical travel in several instances.
In the Quran, the term “saiyr” is used to refer to a traveler. The word saiyr, which means to travel or move, appears 27 times in the Holy Quran. In most instances, it is used in the context of phrases like “Tell them to travel,” “Do they not travel,” or simply “Do travel.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) underlined the importance of traveling in Islam when he stated, “Three supplications will not be rejected by Allah (SWT): the supplication of a parent for their child, the supplication of a fasting person, and the supplication of a traveler.” (al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi – Sahih)
Duas for Traveling in a Car
To ensure your safety and the safety of your travel companions, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended reciting the following Surah (chapter) with the intention of having a secure and blessed journey:
بِسْـمِ اللهِ وَالْحَمْـدُ لله، سُـبْحانَ الّذي سَخَّـرَ لَنا هذا وَما كُنّا لَهُ مُقْـرِنين، وَإِنّا إِلى رَبِّنا لَمُنـقَلِبون، الحَمْـدُ لله، الحَمْـدُ لله، الحَمْـدُ لله، اللهُ أكْـبَر، اللهُ أكْـبَر، اللهُ أكْـبَر، سُـبْحانَكَ اللّهُـمَّ إِنّي ظَلَـمْتُ نَفْسي فَاغْـفِرْ لي، فَإِنَّهُ لا يَغْفِـرُ الذُّنوبَ إِلاّ أَنْـت
“In the name of Allah. Praise is to Allah. Glory is to Him Who has provided this for us, even though we could never have obtained it by our own efforts. Surely, unto our Lord, we are returning. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Glory is to You, O Allah. I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.” (Abu Dawud 3/34, At-Tirmidhi 5/501)
Duas for Traveling by Plane
Traveling holds great significance in Islam as it played a crucial role in the spread of the religion through exploration and missionary journeys by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Ummah (followers). Furthermore, traveling strengthens our faith, as Allah (SWT) states in the Quran, “Say, ‘Travel through the earth and observe how He began creation.'” (Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 20)
Based on the Sunnah (practices) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is advised that every Muslim follows the exemplary Adab (etiquette) mentioned below when traveling within or beyond their city or country:
- Dua When You Leave the House | Praying 2 Raka’at of Sunnah
Upon leaving your house for a journey, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised, “Perform two raka’at (units of prayer) before leaving. This will safeguard you against evils. When you return home, perform another two raka’at, and this will safeguard you against evils.” (Hadith reported by Al-Bazzar and al-Bayhaqi)
Imam An-Nawawi, in his book “Al-Majmu,” adds that during the first raka’at, one should recite Surah Al-Kafirun after Surah Al-Fatihah, and in the second raka’at, one should recite Surah Ikhlas after Surah Al-Fatihah.
- When You Commence Your Journey
Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates a verse related to commencing a journey. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites the following verses upon leaving his house will be guided, defended, and protected, and the devil will go far away from him.”
“Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”
“I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah.” (Hadith reported by Abu Daud, At-Tirmidhi, and An-Nasa’i)
- Dua Upon Boarding the Plane
When boarding a plane, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised reciting the following verses to embark on a blessed and safe journey:
“Bismillah, Walhamdulillah. Subhanal-ladzi sakh-khara lana hadza wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamun-qalibun.”
“In the name of Allah and all praise is for Allah. How perfect He is, the One Who has provided this mode of transport for our service, something that we could never have achieved on our own. To our Lord we are returning.” (Hadith reported by Abu Daud and At-Tirmidhi)
To learn more about praying on a plane, click here.
- Dua When You Arrive at Your Destination | Enter a New Country or City
Upon reaching the desired destination, it is recommended to recite the following verse, as narrated by Suhaib (RA), which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said when looking at a town he wished to enter:
“Allahumma rabbas samawatis sab’i wa ma azlalna, wa rabbal ardinas sab’i wa ma aqlalna, wa rabbash-shayatini wa ma adlalna, wa rabbar riyahi wa ma zaraina, as’aluka khaira hadzihil qaryah wa khaira ahliha, wa khaira ma fiha, wa a’udzubika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha, wa sharri ma fiha.”
“O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and all that they encompass, Lord of the seven earths and all that they carry, Lord of the devils and all whom they misguide, Lord of the winds and all whom they transport. I ask You for the goodness of this village, the goodness of its inhabitants, and the goodness found within it. I seek refuge with You from the evil of this village, the evil of its inhabitants, and the evil found within it.” (Hadith reported by An-Nasa’i and Al-Hakim)
- Dua Upon Entering the Place to Stay (Hotel)
When entering a hotel, it is advisable, as stated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), to recite the following verse to protect oneself from potential hazards and accidents:
“A’udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.”
“I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from every evil that has been created.” (Hadith reported by Muslim)
Khawalah bint Hakim As-Sulaimiyyah (RA) relates that she heard Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) say, “Whoever recites these verses upon arrival will be safeguarded from all evil until they depart from that place.”
- Dua When Facing Difficulties
During your travels, you may encounter moments of hardship and confusion. In such situations, it is advised to engage in the remembrance (zikr) of Allah (SWT) and seek forgiveness (istighfar) for our sins.
According to a narration by Abdullah bin Abbas (RA), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “If a person constantly seeks forgiveness by saying ‘Astaghfirullah,’ then Allah removes every difficulty, relieves all sorrows, and provides sustenance from unexpected sources.” (Hadith reported by Ahmad)
- Dua Upon Returning Home | Praying 2 Raka’at of Sunnah
Just as it is recommended to pray two raka’at upon leaving for a journey, it is also advisable to pray two raka’at upon returning home. Jabir (RA) narrated that while traveling with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and reaching Madinah, the Prophet said, “Enter the mosque and pray two raka’at.”
It is also recommended to perform the prayer in the same manner as the two raka’at prayers before leaving the house.
- Dua Upon Entering Home
When returning home, it is advisable to recite the following verses to express gratitude and thank Allah (SWT) for the incredible opportunity He bestowed upon you:
“Ayibun, ta’ibun, ‘abidun, sajidun, lirabbina hamidun.”
“We return, repentant, worshipping, prostrating, and praising our Lord.” (Hadith reported by Muslim)
By reciting this prayer, one implores Allah (SWT) to increase their provisions and grant them abundant wealth. It is also a request for the opportunity to witness more of Allah’s (SWT) magnificent wonders in the future.
Dua for Protection
“BISMILLAHI, AAMANTU BILLAHI, WA TAWAKKALTU ALLALLAHI, MA-SHA-ALLAH, LA HAULA WALA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH. ALLAHUMMA AHADHNI WAHFADH MA MA’EE WA BALLIGHNEE WA BALLIGH MA MA MA’EE BI BLALAGHIKALHUSN, BILLAHI ASTAFTIHU WA BILLAHI ASTANJIHU WA BI MUHAMMADIN SALLALLAHU ALAIYHI WA AALIHI ATAWAJJAHU. ALLAHUKKA SAHHIL LEE KULLA HUZOONATIN WA DHALLIL LEE KULLA HUZOONATIN WA DHALLIL LEE KULLA SU’OOBATIN WA A’TINEE MINA KHAIRI KULLIH AKHTAR MIMMA ARJU WASIRF ANNEE MINASH-SHARRI MIMMA UHAD-DIRU FEE AAFI;YATIN, YA ARHAMARRAHIMEEN.”
“In the name of Allah! I place my faith in Allah, and I trust in Allah. (It is) as Allah wills! There is no strength or power except with Allah. O Allah! Guide me, protect what is with me (my possessions), and enable me to reach my destination. O Allah! I turn to You seeking success, and through Muhammad (PBUH), I turn to You. O Allah, make all my sorrows easy for me, remove all difficulties, and grant me more goodness than I anticipate. Keep away all evil from me that I fear, and bless me with safety and security. O Most Merciful One.”
Whether you’re traveling within your city or venturing to distant lands, it is advisable to recite this dua for a safe journey. By doing so, a Muslim seeks the protection of Allah (SWT) and prays for the success and fulfillment of their journey.
Duas for Our Parents
There is no love purer and more selfless than the love of parents. They love their children unconditionally and without any worldly expectations. Realistically speaking, it is nearly impossible for a child to reciprocate that love fully. As Muslims, the best thing we can do is to recite the following duas, wishing a happy and blessed life for our parents:
- Dua for the Happiness of Your Parents:
“RabbiawziAAnee an ashkura niAAmataka allatee anAAamta AAalayya waAAalawalidayya waan aAAmala salihan tardahuwaaslih lee fee thurriyyatee innee tubtuilayka wa-innee mina almuslimeen”
“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.” (Quran 46:15)
- Dua for the Long Life of Your Parents:
“Adhhib al-ba’s Rabb an-naas, wa’shfi anta al-Shaafi, laa shifaa’a illa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadir saqaman”
“O Lord of mankind, take away the pain, and grant healing. You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Your healing that leaves no trace of sickness.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5351, Muslim, 2191)
Summary – Duas for Traveling
It is believed that when a person recites duas for traveling, Allah (SWT) sends His angels to protect them. The aforementioned duas for traveling should be recited for a safe, blessed, and unforgettable journey. If you are traveling for Hajj or Umrah, click here to discover specific duas for those sacred journeys.
