Duas before Starting a Journey

Dua before Starting a Journey

Before setting out on any trip, whether by car, bus, train, plane, or even on foot, Muslims should recite the Sunnah travel dua taught by the Prophet Muhammed صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم

Arabic:

اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ، سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ، اللّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى، وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى، اللّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ، اللّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ، اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ، وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالأَهْلِ

Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wama kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa, wa mina al-amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin alayna safarana hadha wa atwi anna bu’dahu. Allahumma anta as-sahibu fis-safar wal-khalifatu fil-ahl. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min wa’tha’is-safar, wa kaabatil-manzar, wa su’il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.

Translation: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. Glory be to Him Who has made this (vehicle) subservient to us, and we could not have done it by ourselves. And surely, to our Lord we will return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey for goodness, piety, and deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance. O Allah, You are the companion in travel and the guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the difficulties of travel, a bad outcome, and from distress upon returning to wealth and family.” – (Sahih Muslim 1342)

Reciting the dua before starting a journey brings peace, safety, and blessings to the traveler. It reminds a Muslim to rely on Allah for ease, protection, and success throughout the trip. This Sunnah supplication keeps the heart connected to faith, ensuring that every mile is traveled under Allah’s care and mercy.

Dua When Returning from a Journey

When coming back home safely, the Prophet Muhammed صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم  used to praise Allah and express gratitude.

Arabic:

آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ

Transliteration: Aibuna taibuna abiduna lirabbina hamidun.

Translation: “We return, repentant, worshiping, and praising our Lord.” – (Sahih Muslim 1343)

This dua reminds Muslims to thank Allah for protection, guidance, and safe arrival.

Dua for Safety during Travel

Traveling can involve unexpected challenges. Islam teaches us to seek Allah’s protection from harm and danger during journeys. Here is a Quranic dua for protection:

Arabic:

رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا

Transliteration: Rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqin wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqin waj‘al li min ladunka sultanan nasira.

Translation: “My Lord, cause me to enter with truth and exit with truth, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.” – (Surah Al-Isra, 17:80)

This powerful supplication can be recited before embarking on any journey for safety and success.

Dua for Traveling by Car, Plane, or Any Vehicle

Whenever you start a vehicle, whether by car, motorcycle, airplane, or even a ship, it is recommended to recite the Dua for Riding from the Sunnah.

Arabic:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

Transliteration: Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wama kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.

Translation: “Glory be to Him Who has made this (vehicle) subservient to us, and we could not have done it by ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will return.” – (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:13-14)

This dua reminds the traveler that all technology and transport are by Allah’s mercy, not human power.

Dua for Loved Ones Who Are Traveling

It is Sunnah to pray for the one embarking on a journey. The Prophet Muhammed صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم  used to bid farewell with this dua:

Arabic:

أَسْتَوْدِعُ اللَّهَ دِينَكَ وَأَمَانَتَكَ وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ

Transliteration: Astawdi’u Allaha dinaka wa amanataka wa khawatima amalika.

Translation: “I entrust your religion, your trust, and the last of your deeds to Allah.” – (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3443)

Making dua for loved ones who are traveling is a beautiful act of care and faith. It places their safety, faith, and deeds in Allah’s protection, the best of guardians. Through this Sunnah supplication, we entrust our loved ones to Allah, seeking His mercy and guidance for their safe and blessed return.

Sunnah Etiquette of Traveling in Islam

Islamic etiquette (Adab) for travel includes practical and spiritual manners that ensure blessings throughout the journey:

• Begin with Bismillah and dua.
• Pray two rakahs before departing (recommended Sunnah).
• Say farewell to family with duas.
• Avoid arrogance and travel with humility.
• Pray on time, even while traveling (combine or shorten prayers when needed).
• Remember Allah often with dhikr.
• Give charity before traveling for barakah and safety.

Spiritual Benefits of Travel Duas

Reciting travel duas brings numerous spiritual and emotional benefits:

• Increases trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
• Protects from harm, accidents, and fear
• Invites divine peace and mercy
• Strengthens gratitude and humility
• Keeps the traveler mindful of purpose and return to Allah

Final Tips before You Travel

Before you begin your journey, take a few mindful steps to ensure both physical safety and spiritual peace. Islam encourages believers to prepare well, trust in Allah, and keep their hearts connected to Him throughout the journey. Here are a few essential tips to remember:

1. Start with Bismillah: Always begin your trip with Bismillah and the Dua for Travel (Dua Safar) to seek Allah’s protection and blessings.
2. Pray Before Departure: Offer two rakahs of prayer before leaving home; it brings barakah (blessing) and ease to your travel.
3. Keep Dhikr and Quran Recitation: Recite short adhkar like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and verses such as Ayat al-Kursi for safety.
4. Give Charity Before You Leave: Even a small act of sadaqah can protect you from harm and bring divine blessings during your journey.
5. Stay Patient and Grateful: If travel delays or hardships occur, remember that patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) elevate your spiritual status.
6. Recite Dua upon Return: Don’t forget to thank Allah when you arrive home safely: Aibuna taibuna abiduna lirabbina hamidun i.e. “We return repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.”

May every journey you take be filled with peace, protection, and purpose, and may Allah make your travels a source of reward and remembrance.