Travel is an essential part of human life. Whether for daily errands, seeking livelihood, or visiting loved ones, people are always on the move. But have you ever reflected on the deep spiritual dimension of travel? In a world of packed airports and busy highways, it’s easy to forget that Islam offers profound guidance for our journeys—through the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Quranic duas. These are not mere rituals; they are powerful, time-honored tools that enrich our travels with blessings, protection, and purpose.
In this article, we explore the best Sunnah practices and Quranic duas for traveling—revealing how these teachings can turn ordinary trips into spiritually meaningful experiences.
SUNNAH PRACTICES FOR TRAVELING
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would begin and end his journeys with supplication. He would also pray two rak‘ahs before departing and upon returning. His companions memorized and transmitted these practices, passing them down through generations. As Muslims, we are encouraged to do the same—reciting specific duas before, during, and after travel, and teaching them to our children.
A. SUNNAH PRACTICES BEFORE TRAVEL
PERFORM SALAH BEFORE DEPARTURE
Before setting out, pray two rak‘ahs. This brief act of worship serves as a spiritual launchpad, aligning your intentions and inviting divine blessings for the road ahead.
DUA UPON LEAVING THE HOUSE
Recite the following duas to seek protection and guidance:
Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ أَوْ أُضَلَّ، أَوْ أَزِلَّ أَوْ أُزَلَّ، أَوْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ، أَوْ أَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ
[Sunan Abu Dawud: 5094]
DUA UPON MOUNTING A RIDE
When the Prophet ﷺ would mount his ride, he would begin with “Bismillah.” Once seated, he would say:
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
Followed by:
Alhamdulillah (three times)
Allahu Akbar (three times)
La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin…
[Abu Dawood 3:77, Hadith 2602]
B. SUNNAH PRACTICES DURING TRAVEL
TAKBIR AND TASBIH THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY
Jabir ibn ‘Abd Allah رضي الله عنه narrated:
“When we ascended to a high place, we said Allahu Akbar, and when we descended, we said Subhan Allah.”
[Sahih Bukhari: 2993]
DUA FOR SAFE TRAVEL
Recite the following verse from the Quran, recited by Prophet Nuh عليه السلام on his ark:
Bismillahi majraha wa mursaha. Inna Rabbi la-Ghafoorur Raheem.
“In the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage. Surely, my Lord is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
[Surah Hud: 41]
This powerful dua seeks divine protection and ease throughout your journey.
DUA WHEN CAMPING OR RESTING DURING TRAVEL
A‘udhu bikalimatillahi at-tammati min sharri ma khalaq
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
[Zad al-Ma‘ad, Hadith 3437]
C. SUNNAH PRACTICES AFTER TRAVEL
DUA UPON RETURNING HOME
Upon returning, the Prophet ﷺ would say:
A’ibuna in sha Allah, ta’ibun, ‘abidun, li Rabbina hamidun
“We return, if Allah wills, repenting, worshipping, and praising our Lord.”
[Sahih Muslim]
SALAH AFTER RETURNING HOME
Upon re-entering your home, offer two rak‘ahs. This prayer is a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude, reconnecting you to your space and routine with renewed consciousness.
WISDOM BEHIND THE QURANIC DUA FOR TRAVELING
The Quranic dua mentioned in Surah Az-Zukhruf offers profound insight into our relationship with creation:
Subhanalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
“Glory be to the One Who has subjected this [ride] to us, though we could never have accomplished it [on our own]. And surely, to our Lord, we will [one day] return.”
This verse reminds us that even our control over powerful vehicles or animals is by Allah’s will. A child can lead a caravan of camels—an awe-inspiring image—but only because Allah has made them obedient. The verse ends with a reminder of our final journey: the return to Allah. Every worldly travel is a reflection of our ultimate journey to the Hereafter.
CONCLUSION
Travel in Islam is not just about moving from one place to another—it is a sacred opportunity to connect with Allah, seek His protection, and practice gratitude. Through the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the duas prescribed in the Quran and Hadith, every journey becomes a chance to reflect, grow, and earn reward.
As you prepare for your next trip—whether it’s across town or across the world—take a moment to recite these blessed duas, perform your Sunnah prayers, and remember your ultimate destination: returning to your Lord.
May Allah bless all your travels with safety, purpose, and barakah. Ameen.
