Hajj or Umrah journeys, as well as other trips for various purposes, often involve long travels. Everyone desires their journey to be safe and secure. For a safe journey, the Prophet (s.) has taught us several supplications. It is highly important to recite prayers abundantly when traveling. Prayers, please Allah, and He makes our journey easier. Prayers are crucial to seeking protection from any dangers or difficulties during the journey. Additionally, by reciting prayers, we earn rewards. Therefore, we should engage in supplications as much as possible.
Dua for Traveling
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When you leave your house, perform two Rak’ahs of prayer; it will protect you from harm. And when you return home, perform two Rak’ahs of prayer again; it will safeguard you from harm.” (Musnad Al-Bazzar)
For these two Rak’ahs, any Surah can be recited, but it is preferable to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second Rak’ah.
Before leaving the house, recite the supplication for leaving the house. This is necessary. By reciting this supplication, Satan will stay away from you, and your journey will be safe.
Dua for Leaving the House
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، توَكَّلتُ على اللَّهِ، لا حَولَ ولا قوَّةَ إلَّا باللَّهِ
Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
Translation: “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no power or strength except with Allah.”
Anas Ibn Malik (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites this supplication when leaving the house will be told, ‘You are protected and safe,’ and Satan will stay away from him.” (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi)
Dua for Starting the Journey
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that whenever the Prophet (PBUH) mounted his camel to set out on a journey, he would say:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ سُبْحَانَ الَّذِيسَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ، اللَّه�
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, subhaanal-lathee sakhkhara lana hatha wama kunna lahu muqrineen, wa-inna ila rabbina lamunqaliboon, Allahumma inna nas-aluka fee safarina hatha albirru wattaqwa, waminal-amali ma tarda, Allahumma hawwin alayna safarana hatha, watwi anna bu’dah, Allahumma antas-sahibu fis-safar, walkhaleefatu fil-ahl, Allahumma innee aoothu bika min wa’tha-is-safar, waka-abatil-manthar, wasoo-il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahl.
Translation: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. Glory is to Him Who has subjected this for us, and we could never have accomplished this [by ourselves]. And indeed, to our Lord, we will surely return. O Allah, we ask You during this journey for righteousness, piety, and deeds that are pleasing to You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance for us. O Allah, You are our companion on the journey and the caretaker of our family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the difficulties of the journey, unpleasant sights, and from returning to misfortune in wealth and family.”
Dua for Boarding a Vehicle
If you are traveling by plane, car, or ship, you can recite this supplication:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَاهَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
Subhana-alladhi sakh-khara la-na hadha wa ma kunna la-hu muqrin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
Translation: “Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have accomplished it ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord, we will surely return.” (Quran 43:13-14)
Dua for Travel Safety
اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ الْمَالِ وَالأَهْلِ
Allahumma hawwin alayna safarana hadha wa twi anna bu’dahu, Allahumma anta al-sahibu fis-safari wa al-khalifatu fil-ahli, Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min wa’tha’ is-safar wa ka’abat il-manzari wa suu’ il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli.
Translation: “O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance for us. O Allah, You are our companion on the journey and the caretaker of our family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, unpleasant sights, and from returning to misfortune in wealth and family.”
Upon returning, offer two Rak’ahs of Nafl prayer just as before leaving, as advised by the Prophet (PBUH).
Finally, as Muslims, we should always remember Allah, constantly engage in supplication and remembrance, and turn to Him in every circumstance. Reciting prayers and sending blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) should always remain a priority.
