The Dua for Travelling
Ah, travel. Whether it’s a short commute, a family road trip, or a journey across continents, there’s always that mix of excitement and perhaps a little apprehension. Over the decades I’ve spent writing and observing, I’ve seen how humans universally seek reassurance when venturing out. For Muslims, turning to Allah is the ultimate source of peace, and the Travelling Dua is a beautiful, specific practice for just this purpose.
Think of it as packing a spiritual essential alongside your luggage. It’s a way to consciously place your trust in Allah’s protection and seek His blessings for the journey ahead. This isn’t just about reciting words; it’s about setting an intention, acknowledging our reliance on the Almighty, and asking for safety and ease.
Why Recite the Dua for Travelling?
Reciting the Travelling Dua is more than tradition; it’s a profound act of faith and mindfulness:
Seeking Divine Protection: You are actively asking Allah, the Protector, to safeguard you from harm, accidents, and difficulties during your travels.
Acknowledging Reliance (Tawakkul): It’s a reminder that while we take practical precautions, our ultimate safety and success lie in Allah’s hands.
Invoking Blessings (Barakah): You ask for blessings not just on the journey, but in the journey – making it easy, beneficial, and purposeful.
Following the Sunnah: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught specific supplications for various occasions, including travel. Reciting the Travelling Dua is following his blessed example.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have made this supplication brings a unique sense of calm and tranquility, allowing you to travel with less anxiety.
The Dua for Travelling (Safar ki Dua)
اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ
وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى
وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى
اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ، وَالْخَلِفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ، وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالأَهْلِ
Transliteration:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.
Subhanalladhi sakh-khara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin.
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’dah.
Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fis-safar, wal-Khalifatu fil-ahl.
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min wa’tha’is-safar, wa ka’abatil-manzar, wa su’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 provided this for us although we were unable to achieve it.
And to our Lord, we are returning.
O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for righteousness and piety,
and actions that please You.
O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance.
O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor over the family.
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the hardship of travel, gloominess of the sights, and finding evil changes in property and family upon returning.”
When and How to Recite It
When: The Travelling Dua is typically recited just as you are beginning your journey – settling into your car, seat on a bus, train, or plane.
How: Recite it with sincerity and focus, understanding the meaning and placing your trust fully in Allah. You can recite it aloud or silently.
Travel with Faith, Arrive with Gratitude
Incorporating the Travelling Dua into your routine is a simple yet powerful way to infuse your journeys with faith and seek Divine assurance. It turns a mundane act into an act of remembrance and reliance.
After all these years creating content, I find the most enduring messages are often the simplest. This Dua is a direct line to seeking protection and blessings. May it bring peace to your heart and safety to your travels. Remember to also recite the appropriate Dua upon returning home, expressing gratitude for a safe journey.