14 Duas for Safe Travelling and a Successful Journey
Mar 26, 2024
Reciting specific duas for travel is crucial in Islam, ensuring safety, provision, and Allah's blessings throughout the journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Significance: Travel, or "safar," is permitted in Islam with pure intentions.
- Duas: Specific prayers ensure protection, provision, and peace during travel.
- Quranic Guidance: Multiple references emphasize travel duas for safety and success.
- Practical Usage: Detailed duas for different travel stages, including Umrah.
The word "safar" is derived from an Arabic word which means to journey, travel, or tour. Islam permits all Muslims to undertake travels, provided their intentions for doing so are pure, whether going for Umrah or Hajj. This is where dua for safe travelling comes in. In addition to the five obligatory prayers, Islam commands that you perform dua for going out, as Allah Almighty is the only One who can protect you and assure you safe travels.
There are many duas for travel, covering all possible aspects, from the beginning of your journey and your stay, to your safe arrival at your destination and triumphant return home. We've compiled a list of important dua for travelling in English, helping first-time travellers seek the blessings and guidance of Almighty Allah for their voyage.
What Does Allah Almighty Say about Travelling?
The Holy Book of Quran is a guide for Muslims on how to live and conduct themselves. It has several references on dua for safe travelling, ensuring Muslims experience a secure worldly, albeit spiritual, journey. There are special places where the Almighty Allah has placed emphasis on dua for journey, or physical travel.
The word "sayir" is used in the Holy Quran to refer to a traveller, its literal translation meaning to move or travel. Another significant aspect of dua for travelling in Quran is that the blessed Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said three supplications will not be rejected by the Almighty, which includes the supplication of the traveller, besides the supplication of the one fasting, and the supplication of a parent for a child.
How Do You Wish Someone Safe Travels in Islam?
Whether wishing someone going for Umrah or a family member making an important journey, saying the right travelling dua in Islam for them is paramount. It is the best way to wish them safety and success on their expedition, leaving them with thoughts of encouragement with travel dua of protection, provision, and peace.
Saying “Allah yahfazk,” which means “be mindful of Allah and may Allah protect you,” is a good way to part ways with them. You can also say “Fi Amanillah,” which is translated to mean “may Allah's protection be with you” or “in the security of Allah.”
Travelling Duas in Islam
Dua Before Travellers Leave Home
Which Surah to read before travelling? Surah Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers) is a good one to read before setting off on a journey. You must pray two raka’at Sunnah prayers prior to leaving your home for a journey, and this will keep you safe.
This is the hadith that supports it: "When you leave your house, perform two raka’at and this will safeguard you against evil. When you enter your home, perform another two raka’at, and this will safeguard you against evil." (Musnad Al-Bazzar)
Dua After Leaving the Home
What is the dua for travel protection? You may recite this dua once you have left the house and are on your way to the intended destination: “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no might or power except by Allah.” It is reported that travellers who say this prayer will be protected and the devil will flee far away from them.
You can also pray this dua: "O Allah, we ask You in our travel for righteousness, taqwa, and good deeds that You are pleased with. O Allah makes our travel easier and shortens the distance for us. O Allah, You are our Companion in travel and the guardian of our family (in our absence). O Allah I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, a sight of grief, and from an unfortunate occurrence in wealth and family."
Dua for Boarding Transport Vessel or Animal
An important travelling dua in Islam to make is when you are boarding the transportation vessel (car, ship, plane, etc.) or animal (camel, horse, etc.). It will bring the chosen vessel or animal under the Almighty’s command, ensuring protection and safe travels. This is the dua you can make: “Board it! In the Name of Allah, it will sail and cast anchor. Surely my Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al Quran, Surah Hud, 11: 41)
Dua during Travelling
How do you pray when travelling? It is essential to make dua for safe travelling for the duration of the journey itself, to seek travel mercies and grace from the Almighty. It will give you peace in knowing you are under His protection. A good verse to recite for this purpose is, “I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah.”
Dua When Ascending or Descending in the Transport
What is dua for an easy journey? It is the prayer that one makes seeking Allah's blessings for a trip without troubles and difficulties. You can say a dua for safe travelling that assures you an easy and comfortable journey, since Islam covers all aspects of travel. As such, Ibn ‘Umar (RA) reported: Whenever the Prophet and his army ascended a height, they would proclaim: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), and when they climbed down, they would proclaim: “Subhan Allah” (Allah is free from imperfection). (Riyah As Salihin)
Dua for Travelling in a Car
Car travel can be tricky and unpredictable for many reasons, even if you're well prepared for the journey. The blessed Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) recommended reciting the ensuing Surah for a safe and blessed travel for you and your companions.
Here's the dua for safe journey in English: “With the Name of Allah. Praise is to Allah. Glory is to Him Who has provided this for us though we could never have had it by our efforts. Surely, unto our Lord, we are returning. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. Glory is to You. O Allah, I have wronged my own soul. Forgive me, for surely none forgives sins but You.” (Abu Dawud 3/34, At-Tirmidhi 5/501)
Dua for Travelling on a Plane
Dua for flying is imperative, as thousands of Muslims worldwide travel for various reasons, including Umrah, Hajj, and others which require air travel. So, whether you are making dua for someone travelling on a plane or for yourself, you can begin by reciting this dua for flight before boarding the plane: “In the name of Allah and all praise is for Allah. How perfect He is, the One Who has placed this (transport) at our service, and we ourselves would not have been capable of that, and to our Lord is our final destiny.”
Dua of the Traveller for the Residents
While dua for traveller is important, it is also essential for those leaving on a journey to make prayers for the loved ones they are leaving behind at home. It is an important travelling dua in Islam that keeps family members safe when you are away. You can make this prayer: "I leave you in the care of Allah, as nothing is lost that is in His care." (Musnad Ahmad, Ibn Majah)
You can also make this specific dua for your parents: “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work the righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.” (Quran 46:15)
Dua of the Residents for the Traveller
Making dua for safe travel for a loved one is paramount, as it brings them under the protection of Allah Almighty. It is a good way to see them off, offering assurance that you are supporting the voyage they are embarking upon. Residents (or family members) remaining back home can say this prayer for a loved one setting off on pilgrimage or journey: "I leave your religion in the care of Allah, as well as your safety, and the last of your deeds." (Jami At-Tirmidhi)
Dua When Stopping or Lodging Somewhere
The blessed Prophet (PBUH) recommends that travellers make a dua when sojourning in a place during the course of a journey. This is an especially helpful dua for travelling long distances, as you may need to stopover at many points before reaching the final destination.
Make this dua: "O Earth, my Lord and yours is Allah. I seek protection in Allah from your evil and the evil that is in you, and the evil that has been created in you, and the evil of that which crawls on you. I seek protection in Allah from lions, black things, snakes, scorpions, and the inhabitants of the land, parents and offspring alike." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan An Nasai)
Dua When Experiencing Difficulties during Travel
There may be times during the journey that you may face hurdles and difficulties or feel lost. When this happens, it is recommended that you make Istighfar (or Astaghfirullah - prayer for forgiveness of sins) constantly, besides performing Zikr (remembrance) of Allah Almighty.
That's why you must make dua when travelling if facing difficulties, ensuring you're protected from all evil. Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) reported that the blessed Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever increases his prayers for forgiveness (Astaghfirullah), Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and provide for him in ways he does not expect.” (Musnad Ahmad)
Dua Upon Reaching the Travel Destination
While you can say dua for safe journey in Arabic, it is equally vital to say prayers when entering your intended travel destination - whether town, city, village, or country. Suhayb (RA) states that the Prophet (PBUH) did not enter or see any place/village without saying the following dua: "O Allah, let me disembark with a blessed disembarking, and You are the best of those who cause to disembark." (Al-Quran, Sura Al-Mu’minun, 23: 29)
Dua Upon Returning Home After Successful Travel
Upon your return home from a voyage, it is important to recite verses that show your profound gratitude to Allah Almighty for the opportunity to travel. It is as important as any dua for travelling in Arabic during the journey itself. Here's what you should pray: “We return, repentant, worshipping, prostrating, and praising our Lord.” It is also said, the Prophet (PBUH) recited "Allaahu Akbar" (Allah is the greatest) three times after every time he returned home from Hajj or a battle.
Special List of Duas for Umrah
What do you say when someone is going for Umrah? Besides wishing them success, peace, and health on their pilgrimage, you can say duas for Umrah, showing your care and faith. Note that the dua for Umrah niyat you make is different from leaving for Umrah messages for your loved ones back at home. You can make dua for Umrah in Arabic, or choose to recite dua for Umrah in English.
The following is a brief step by step Umrah dua guide, featuring important dua for Umrah for someone else, and even for yourself.
Dua before Umrah Journey:
“Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. How perfect is the One Who has given us control over this; we could not have done it by ourselves. Truly it is to our Lord that we are returning. O Allah, we ask You for piety, taqwa and deeds which You will be pleased with on this journey of ours. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and let us cover its distance swiftly. O Allah, You are our Companion on the journey and the One in Whose care we leave our family. O Allah, I seek Your protection from the difficulties of the journey, from distressing scenes, and from an ill-fated outcome with my wealth and family.”
Dua Upon Arrival at Holy Makkah:
“I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from every evil (that has been created).”
Dua before Entering Ihram:
“Glory be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great.”
Dua for Intention for performing Umrah:
“O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it in Your books.” After this, you must recite the Talbiyah numerous times: “Here I am at your service, O Allah, Here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service, You have no partner, here I am at Your service. Truly all praise and blessings belong to You, and so does sovereignty. You have no partner.”
Dua When Entering the Masjid Al-Haram:
“I begin in the name of Allah, all praise be to Him, and Blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah; O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the gates of Your mercy.”
Dua at the First Sight of Kaaba:
“O Allah, increase this House in honour and esteem, reverence and awe, and increase the one who honours and ennobles it, of those who travel to it for Hajj or Umrah, in honour, esteem, reverence and piety.”
Dua During Tawaf:
“I begin with the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all Praise be to Allah.”
Dua for drinking ZamZam:
“O Allah, I seek beneficial knowledge, wide sustenance and cure from all ailments from You.”
Dua for Sa’ee:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. Hence, whoever performs Hajj or Umrah at the holy Kaaba can safely walk between them without fearing any sin. And Allah Knows and Appreciates him who does any good with a willing heart.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)
Dua on Top of Mount Safa:
“Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, there is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest. There is no Might or Power except with Allah.
Dua When Leaving Masjid Al-Haram:
“In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You from Your favour.”
Dua Upon Safe Return:
“We return, repentant, worshipping, prostrating and praising our Lord.”
In Closing
Whether dua for going to Umrah or dua for safe travelling to another city, country, or region, it is essential to recite travel prayers for a safe and blessed journey. It is also crucial to make travel dua upon safe return home, showing your unending gratitude to Allah Almighty for His protection, peace, and success over you.
May the Almighty Allah accept your dua for travels and Umrah, and grant you countless more opportunities to see His remarkable creations!
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