Supplications for leaving home, boarding a vehicle, journeying, stopping, and returning - with sources.
A journey has its own set of supplications: on leaving the house, on boarding, during the trip, when you stop, and on the way home. The core travel dua comes straight from the words of Qur-an 43:13-14.
Key points
- The travel dua is built on Qur-an 43:13-14, said when you board.
- There is a supplication for the start of the journey, for stopping along the way, and for the return.
- "Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Llah..." is for leaving the house on any occasion, not only travel.
- A traveller's dua is one of the supplications the Prophet (peace be upon him) said is answered.
Practical steps
- On leaving home, say "Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Llah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa bi-Llah".
- On settling into the vehicle, say "Allahu akbar" three times, then the full travel dua.
- When you stop or camp, say "A'udhu bi-kalimati Llahi t-tammati min sharri ma khalaq".
- On the way back, repeat the travel dua and add "Ayibuna, ta'ibuna...".
Qur’an
Subhana lladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina la-munqalibun.
“That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it. And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."”
Surah Az-Zukhruf — 43:13-14
When to read: These verses are the basis of the dua said on boarding any vehicle or mount.
Hadith
Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Llah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa bi-Llah.
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no power and no strength except with Allah.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 5095 — graded sahih by al-Albani.
When to read: Said on leaving the house. The narration says the one who says it is guided, sufficed and protected, and the devils withdraw from him.
Subhana lladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina la-munqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadha l-birra wa t-taqwa, wa mina l-'amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin 'alayna safarana hadha wa-twi 'anna bu'dah. Allahumma anta s-sahibu fi s-safar, wa l-khalifatu fi l-ahl. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min wa'tha'i s-safar, wa ka'abati l-manzar, wa su'i l-munqalabi fi l-mali wa l-ahl.
Glory be to Him who has placed this under our control; we could not have done it ourselves, and to our Lord we shall return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and fold up its distance. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardship of travel, from a distressing sight, and from an evil turn of events in wealth and family.
Sahih Muslim, no. 1342 .
When to read: Said after settling onto the vehicle at the start of a journey. The narration mentions the Prophet (peace be upon him) said the takbir three times before beginning these words.
A'udhu bi-kalimati Llahi t-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
Sahih Muslim, no. 2708 .
When to read: Said when you stop or camp at a place. The narration says nothing will harm you until you leave that place.
Ayibuna, ta'ibuna, 'abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun.
We return, repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.
Sahih Muslim, no. 1342 .
When to read: Added to the travel dua when returning home.
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
FAQ
Is the travel dua only for long journeys?
The wording fits any journey by mount or vehicle. Scholars differ on what counts as "travel" for rulings like shortening prayer, but the dua itself can be said for any trip.
What should I ask for during travel?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said three supplications are answered without doubt: that of a parent, a traveller, and one wronged (Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1905). Use the time to make personal dua.
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