Best Sunnah Practices and Quranic Dua for Traveling
Travel is very important for human life. People move for daily needs, to earn a livelihood, and to visit relatives. Have you ever consider the deeper connections between travel and spirituality? In a world filled with bustling airports and endless roadways, many travelers overlook an invaluable source of guidance and protection: the Prophetic Sunnah and dua for traveling. For centuries, Muslims have turned to these sacred traditions not just as rituals but as powerful tools that enhance their journeys through life. Islamic law has provided many prayers for traveling.
In this article, we’ll explore Quranic dua for traveling, wisdom behind it, and other duas for safe travels inspired by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and uncover how these practices can transform your experiences on your journeys let’s discover how prophetic wisdom can illuminate our path in ways we never imagined!
Sunnah Practices for Traveling
The blessed practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was to begin and end his journeys with Duas (supplications). He would also pray two rak’ahs of prayer both at the start and at the end of his travels.
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would memorize the supplications the Prophet made and teach to their children, students, and others. Therefore, we should also memorize and recite the dua before travelling, during travelling and after travelling and encourage our children to do the same.
A. SUNNAH PRACTICES BEFORE TRAVEL
Salah Before Setting Off
Before starting a journey, one should perform the two rak’ahs salah. In a travel planning, Salah can transform your journey. Taking a moment for prayer before setting off gives you a sense of gratitude for the adventures ahead
Dua upon Leaving the House
When you leave home for a journey, recite this prayer:
بسم اللّٰہ توکلت علی اللّٰہ، ولاحول ولاقوۃ الاباللّٰہ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَىَّ
[Sunan Abu Dawud: 5094]
Dua upon Sitting on a Ride
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) placed his blessed foot in the stirrup, he would recite “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah). Once he was comfortably seated on the ride, he would say this dua for traveling:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِی سَخَّرَ لَنَا ھٰذَا وَمَا کُنَّا لَہٗ مُقْرِنِینَ وَ اِنَّا اِلٰی رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
He would then say “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah) three times and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) three times. Following that, He would say:
لاَ اِلٰہَ اِلّاَ اَنْتَ سُبْحَانَکَ اِنِّی کُنْتُ مِنَ الظّٰلِمِینَ سُبْحَانَکَ اِنِّی ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِی فَاغْفِرْلِی فَاِنَّہٗ لَا یَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ اِلّاَ اَنْتَ
[Abu Dawood 3:77, Hadith 2602]
B. SUNNAH PRACTICES DURING TRAVEL
Dua for Safe Travel
A mustahabb thing for the traveler is that when the rider climbs the height, he should say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) and when he descends into the low ground or valley, he should say “Subhan Allah”. Jabir ibn ‘Abd Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“When we ascended to a high place during our journey, we would say Allah u Akbar, and when we descended into a low land or valley, we would say Subhan Allah.” [Sahih Bukhari: 2993]
Whenever you are on a voyage or any other type of journey, recite this verse as dua for safe travelling, InshaAllah, you will be protected from the dangers of the journey or voyage.
بِسْمِ اللّٰہِ مَجْرٖؔئھَا وَمُرْسٰھَا. اِنَّ رَبِّیْ لَغَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ
Scholars recommended this dua for traveling safely. Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) told his companions whom he had taken aboard the ark, “Embark in the ark, in the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage.
Hazrat Dhahhak (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that whenever Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) wanted the ark to move, he would say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah), and the ark would start moving. When he wanted it to stop, he would also say “Bismillah” and the ark would come to a halt.
Dua upon Reaching at your Destination
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would stay or camp at a place, he would say:
أَعُوْذُ بِکَلِمَاتِ اللّٰہِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created
[Zad al-Ma’ad, p. 496, Hadith 3437]
C. POST TRAVEL SUNNAH
Dua upon returning home
When returning from a journey, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would add:
آئبون ان شاء اللہ تائبون عابدون لربنا حامدون
We are returning, if Allah wills, repenting, worshipping, and praising our Lord
[Sahih Muslim]
Salah upon returning home
Perform the two rak’ahs when your return at your home. The act of performing Salah upon returning transforms into an intimate expression of gratitude. Every movement in Salah becomes a reflection on the creature and moments spent during journey. This sacred practice integrates newfound perspectives, enriching one’s spiritual narrative.
Wisdom behind the dua for traveling
Scholars revealed that there is a wisdom behind the dua for traveling. In travelling dua, ” سُبْحَانَ الَّذِی” means when we ride on a camel, a larger and more powerful animal than humans, it is only by Allah’s command that we can control and guide it as we wish. Allah has given humans the ability to manage a long caravan of camels, where a child may hold the reins of a hundred camels tied together, and they all follow behind the child. This is by Allah’s command and His system.
“سَخَّرَ لَنَا ھٰذَا” means, He has subjected this animal for us. ” وَمَا کُنَّا لَہٗ مُقْرِنِینَ” means we would not have been able to control it. If a camel becomes wild, it is difficult to control it. ” وَ اِنَّا اِلٰی رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ” reminds us that this journey is temporary, there is another journey where we will stand before Allah. This journey may last few days, but ultimately, we have an impending journey where we will be presented before Allah, summoned to His presence.
This is a Quranic verse that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite as a dua for travel.
Conclusion
In summary, incorporating Sunnah practices and making heartfelt dua for traveling can significantly enhance our journeys, both spiritually and physically. These timeless traditions not only serve as a means of protection but also foster a deep connection with our faith during times of exploration and adventure. By following the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) guidance, we can navigate our travels with mindfulness and gratitude. As we think about new adventures, let us remember to practice these beautiful practices and traveling duas in our itineraries. May your travels be safe, fulfilling, and filled with countless blessings—set forth with intention and devotion!