مرحبا بكم في موقع مواقيت الصلاة

Important Duas for Travelling

Are you preparing for a trip and want to ensure it goes smoothly? Travel is an integral part of our lives, and Islam provides special prayers, called Duas, for protection during journeys.

This article will guide you through important Duas in Islam that are specific for travel, ensuring safety and blessings throughout your journey. Let’s delve into these sacred recitations; they could be the invisible shield you need on your next adventure!

The Importance of Duas When Travelling

Duas play an essential role in every journey of a Muslim. Through these prayers, you are committing your trip to Allah SWT for more than just a safe journey. It is about accepting that every step taken, every moment of the journey, and any potential hazards along the way are guided by divine providence.

Duas strengthen your faith by erecting an invisible safety net around you and all accompanying passengers. Before traveling, the Islamic tradition recommends a specific Dua, which encapsulates trust in Allah’s wisdom and surrender to His will.

Specific Duas focus on blessing your transportation means, such as saying ‘Subhan Alladhi Sakh-khara Lana Hadha Wa Ma Kunna Lahu Muqrinin…’, thanking Him for providing serviceable vehicles despite our inability to control them ourselves.

This emphasizes gratitude as an essential component of embarking on journeys, remembering that each successful journey is a mercy from Allah SWT.

What Does Allah SWT Say About Travelling?

In Islam, travel holds a significant place as Allah SWT encourages exploration of the earth in various verses in the Quran. It is seen as an opportunity for worldly gains and experiences and a means to spiritual growth.

According to Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 20, Allah SWT states:

قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ بَدَأَ ٱلْخَلْقَ ۚ ثُمَّ ٱللَّهُ يُنشِئُ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ

“Say (O Muhammad), “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will bring it into being one more time. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.” This statement illustrates that traveling can deepen our understanding of life’s origin and complexity.

In another verse, Surah Zukhruf ayat 13-14, Allah SWT provides specific supplications for safe travels. Muslims are encouraged to recite this Dua before undertaking any journey.

سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِى سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَـٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُۥ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

“Glory be to the One Who has subjected these for us, for we could have never done so ˹on our own˺. And surely to our Lord, we will ˹all˺ return.”

Many Hadiths describe Prophet Muhammad’s practice of making Dua during his travels to seek protection from unforeseen difficulties, emphasizing the importance of the travel Duas He taught.

Prophet Muhammad PBUH also emphasized travel etiquette, advising against traveling on specific days or dates within each month. This guidance given by Allah SWT and His prophet PBUH for safe and successful travel emphasizes the sacredness attributed to journeying in Islam.

Essential Duas for Travelling

In this section, we will discuss powerful Duas before departure, when entering a vehicle, for protection during travel, and upon reaching your destination. These essential Duas will bring blessings and safety to your journey InshAllah.

Dua Before Departure

Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:

“Whoever says (upon leaving his house): ‘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],’ it will be said to him: ‘You are guided, defended and protected.‘ The devil will go far away from him“. Riyad as-Salihin 83.

The Dua for Departure is the first step in embarking on a journey. This Dua provides protection and blessings for our trip.

Thus, reciting the Dua Before Departure embodies physical and spiritual protection while venturing into the world.

Dua When Entering a Vehicle

In a lengthy Hadith, Ibn Umar narrated what the Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to recite when he mounted his camel.

Whenever the Messenger of Allah  (ﷺ) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: “Allah u Akbar (Allah  is Greatest),” thrice. Then he (ﷺ) would supplicate:

‏”‏سبحان الذي سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين، وإنا إلي ربنا لمنقلبون‏.‏ اللهم إنا نسألك في سفرنا هذا البر والتقوى، ومن العمل ما ترضي‏.‏ اللهم هون علينا سفرنا هذا واطو عنا بعده‏.‏ اللهم أنت الصاحب في السفر والخليفة في الأهل‏.‏ اللهم إني أعوذ بك من وعثاء السفر وكآبة المنظر وسوء المنقلب في الأهل والمال والولد‏”‏

“Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadh al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-‘amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin ‘alaina safarana hadha, watwi ‘anna bu’dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fissafari, wal-Khalifatu fil- ahli. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min wa’ta’is-safari, wa kaabatil- manzari, wa su’il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli wal-waladi”

Translation:

“Far removed from imperfection is the One Who has made this subservient to us, for we have no power to subjugate it, and certainly to our Rubb shall we return. O Allah, we ask You during this journey of ours for righteousness, piety, and such deeds as are pleasing to You. O Allah, make easy for us this journey of ours and make the distance short for us. O Allah, You are our Companion during the journey and the Guardian of the family and the property in our absence. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of traveling, unhappiness connected with ghastly scenes, and evil turns in property and family.”

Reference: Riyad as-Salihin 972

This supplication seeks the protection of Allah SWT during your travel time.

However, if you find it difficult to recite this entire Dua, then you can only recite the first part of the Dua, “Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.”

Your car becomes more than just a mode of transportation; it becomes a personal space where you can maintain your connection with God and express gratitude for His blessings.

Dua for Protection During Travel

Reciting a Dua for protection during travel is highly recommended in Islam. Abu Musa Al Ashari, a companion of the Prophet narrated that:

أن رسول الله كان إذا خاف قوماً قال‏:‏ “‏ اللهم إنا نجعلك في نحورهم ، ونعوذ بك من شرورهم‏”

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), feared mischief from a people, he would supplicate: “Allahumma inna naj’aluka fi nuhurihim, wa na’udhu bika min shururihim (O Allah! We ask You to face them, and seek Your Protection against their evil.” Riyad as-Salihin 981

It is also recommended to seek Allah SWT’s protection by saying “Allah-o-Akbar” (Allah SWT is greatest) and “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness). Furthermore, giving donations before and after the journey can bring blessings and protect against harm.

These acts of supplication and seeking Allah SWT’s protection provide comfort and remind us of our reliance on Him throughout our journey.

Dua for Parents Left Behind

When we embark on a journey, it is essential to remember our parents who are left behind. We can pray for their well-being and protection by reciting a special Dua. This Dua is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Isra Verse 24:

رَّبِّ ٱرْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِى صَغِيرًۭا

“My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” 17:24

It expresses our love and concern for our parents and requests Allah SWT’s blessings on them even when we are absent. By making this Dua, we acknowledge the importance of family and their role in our lives.

However, you should not only recite this Dua for your parents when traveling; you should recite it all the time!

Dua Upon Reaching the Destination

Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:

“‏ مَنْ نَزَلَ مَنْزِلاً ثُمَّ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ‏.‏ لَمْ يَضُرُّهُ شَىْءٌ حَتَّى يَرْتَحِلَ مِنْ مَنْزِلِهِ ذَلِكَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

When anyone lands at a place and then says:” I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah from the evil of what He has created,” nothing would harm him until he marches from that stopping place. Sahih Muslim 2708a

This Dua will protect you from any harm or negativity that may exist at your destination. It acts as a shield, ensuring nothing bad happens until you leave that place.

So, when you arrive at your destination, remember to recite this Dua and ask Allah SWT for continued guidance and protection in all aspects of your journey.

Dua for Seeing Someone Sick or Suffering During Travel

When we encounter someone who is ill or in pain while traveling, we need to make a Dua for them. We should pray to Allah SWT Almighty for asking for their healing and comfort during this challenging time.

Prophet Muhammad PBUH has informed us about a Dua to recite seven times while visiting a sick person. It is rather short, and requires less than a minute to complete.

“He who visits a sick person who is not on the point of death and supplicates seven times: As’alullahal-‘Azima Rabbal-‘Arshil-‘Azimi, an yashfiyaka (I beseech Allah the Great, the Rubb of the Great Throne, to heal you), Allah will certainly heal him from that sickness.” Riyad as-Salihin 906

This Dua not only expresses our compassion and empathy for others, but it also seeks Allah SWT’s blessings to alleviate their pain and suffering. We are expressing our concern for their well-being and requesting divine intervention in their recovery by making this Dua.

As a result, it is critical to remember this special prayer whenever you encounter someone who is ill or in pain while traveling.

Dua Upon Safe Return Home

After a long, tiring, and sometimes difficult journey, expressing gratitude and seeking protection upon safely arriving home is important. Offering a Dua upon safe return is an opportunity to thank Allah SWT for His blessings and seek forgiveness for any mistakes made along the way.

According to a hadith, when Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to return from a journey, he would say:

‏آيبون، تائبون ، عابدون ، لربنا حامدون‏”‏ “

“Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, ‘abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun”

(We are returning in safety, turning to our Rubb, worshipping Him and praising Him).” Riyad as-Salihin 987

This Dua serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging Allah SWT’s guidance and recognizing His role in ensuring our safety as we travel. By offering this prayer, we express our gratitude for our successful journey completion and our trust in Allah SWT for future endeavors.

Reciting this Dua also allows us to reflect on our experiences, spiritually growing and appreciating the blessings of being home with our loved ones.

Importance of Duas During Travel

In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH regarded traveling as torment because it deprives a person of his food, drink, and sleep. Riyad as-Salihin 984

In another hadith a companion of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH narrated that whenever Prophet Muhammad PBUH set forth on a journey, he sought refuge (with Allah SWT) from the hardships of traveling. Sahih Muslim 1343a

Moreover, Prophet Muhammad PBUH has told us in a hadith that the Dua of a traveler is always accepted:

“‏ ثَلاَثُ دَعَوَاتٍ مُسْتَجَابَاتٌ لاَ شَكَّ فِيهِنَّ دَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمُسَافِرِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ عَلَى وَلَدِهِ ‏”

“Three supplications are accepted, there is no doubt in them (about them being accepted): The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of his father against his son.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1905

That’s why when you are on a journey, make Dua as much as you can because there is no doubt it is accepted!

Procedures to Recite Duas for Travelling

To ensure a safe and blessed journey, follow these procedures when reciting Duas for traveling:

• When reciting your Duas, face the Qibla or the direction towards Mecca (if possible).
• Raise your hands in front of your face, palms open and upward, as this is the proper posture for making Dua.
• Begin your supplication by praising and glorifying Allah SWT with phrases such as “SubhanAllah” (All glory to Allah ) and “Alhamdulillah” (All praise to Allah SWT).
• Send Blessings to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Seek forgiveness for any sins you may have committed and pray to Allah SWT for mercy and guidance on your journey.
• Recite specific Duas for each stage of travel (as shown above).

The Role of Travel in Islam

Traveling holds a significant role in Islam, as it encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects. It is promoted as a method of seeking Allah SWT’s blessings and protection. Muslims can explore the world, learn about different cultures, and strengthen their faith by embarking on journeys.

Individuals can witness Allah SWT’s creation firsthand and appreciate His infinite power through travel. They can also conduct religious research by visiting holy sites such as Mecca for Hajj and Umrah.

Traveling also allows Muslims to spread the message of Islam to new communities and foster interfaith dialogue.

Furthermore, travel allows for self-reflection and personal growth. It allows people to disconnect from their daily routines and immerse themselves in new environments that may inspire spiritual enlightenment.

Along with Duas tailored to each journey stage, reciting verses from the Quran provides strength and protection while traveling.

To summarize, travel is essential in Islam because it promotes exploration, education, spirituality, and spreading the message of peace across various regions.

Duas for Travelling (Common Phrases – Not Ahadith)

The Duas mentioned below are not taken from any hadith; they are just common phrases for praising Allah SWT and asking him for good.

• Begin your journey with the Dua: “O Allah, make this journey easy for me and grant me Your blessings.”
• Seek protection during travel by reciting: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
• Pray for your parents left behind by saying: “O Allah, protect my parents and keep them safe while I am away.”
• Upon reaching your destination, express gratitude to Allah by reciting: “O Allah, thank you for a safe journey. May this place bring blessings and fulfillment.”
• When staying at a new place, pray for guidance and ease by saying: “O Allah, bless this place and make it a source of peace and tranquility for me.”
• If you encounter someone ill or suffering during your travel, make a Dua for their well-being: “O Allah, grant healing and comfort to those who are sick or in pain.”
• When facing any problems during your journey, seek help from Allah SWT by saying: “O Allah, guide me through these difficulties and grant me strength to overcome them.”
• After returning home safely, express gratitude to Allah SWT by reciting: “O Allah, thank you for bringing me back safely. I am grateful for the blessings of this journey.”
• Finally, after a safe journey, end with a Dua of gratitude: “O Allah, I am thankful for the experiences and opportunities you have granted me during this journey.”

Conclusion

These essential travel Duas provide us with protection and guidance on our journeys. We seek Allah SWT’s blessings and ensure our safety throughout the journey by reciting these supplications.

Including these Duas in our travel routines will provide peace of mind and strengthen our relationship with Allah SWT. Remember to turn to Him at every step of our journey, knowing He is always listening and answering our prayers.

FAQs

How does Dua help during travel?

Reciting Duas can provide spiritual comfort and peace when traveling and encountering difficulties. It is Islamic law to seek guidance from Allah SWT through these prayers throughout our earthly journey.

Are there specific Duas when getting into a vehicle or plane?

Yes, Muslims recite specific Duas such as “Subhan Alladhi Sakh-khara Lana Hadha Wa Ma Kunna Lahu Muqrinin, Wa inna Ila Rabbina La munqalibun” before entering any mode of transportation to avoid car accidents or plane crashes.

Can you pray for others with Traveling Duas?

Certainly! There are special Duas for praying for the well-being of our parents and seeing someone who is ill, which are frequently used during physical travel to visit loved ones or on Hajj. We mentioned them earlier in the article; go check them out.

What should I do after arriving at my destination?

You should recite the “Dua Upon Reaching the Destination” as it aligns with the Sunnah practice ordained in Sahih Muslim 2708a and other Islamic texts like Musnad Ahmad, providing gratitude upon safe arrival.

Is there a Dua I should say after leaving my house and returning home safely?

Yes, you can scroll up and check it out.