You may wonder: How can there be a dua for driving or riding in a vehicle when cars did not exist during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) time? This is a valid question—but the supplication we share today is rooted in authentic Sunnah, adapted to modern travel just as the Prophet’s teachings transcend time.
The dua originates from Jami’ At Tirmidhi (Hadith #3446), where it was recited before mounting an animal to begin a journey. Today, this practice translates seamlessly to traveling by car, bus, or any vehicle—reminding us to seek Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) protection and gratitude for the gift of safe travel, just as the Prophet (ﷺ) did.
Below are the short and full versions of the dua, along with the complete hadith, Qur’anic confirmation, and practical guidance to incorporate this supplication into your daily routine.
Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun
English Translation:
Glory is to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we were not able to do it. And surely, to our Lord are we returning.
Reference: Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3446
二、Full Supplication from the Hadith
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught a comprehensive dua to recite before traveling, as narrated by Ali bin Rabi’ah (may Allah be pleased with him). This full version includes the short dua along with additional prayers of praise, glorification, and repentance:
Step-by-Step Recitation:
Before entering the vehicle, say “Bismillāh” (In the Name of Allah) three times.
Once seated, say “Alḥamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah) once.
Recite the short dua (above).
Follow with “Alḥamdulillah” three times.
Say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) three times.
Subḥanaka inni qad ẓalamtu nafsi faghfirli fa-innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa ant
English Translation:
Glory is to You, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me—for indeed none forgives sins except You.
Complete Hadith Narrative:
Ali bin Rabi’ah said: “I witnessed Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) having an animal brought to him to ride. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said: ‘Bismillāh’ three times. Once he had ascended, he said: ‘Alḥamdulillah,’ then recited: ‘Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha…’ (the short dua). Then he said: ‘Alḥamdulillah’ three times, ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times, and ‘Subḥanaka inni qad ẓalamtu nafsi…’ Then he laughed.
I asked: ‘O Commander of the Believers! What caused you to laugh?’ He replied: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) do exactly as I did, then he laughed. I asked him: “What caused you to laugh, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Indeed, your Lord is very pleased with His worshipper when he says: ‘O my Lord, forgive me my sins—indeed, no one other than You forgives sins.’”’”
The authenticity of this dua is further supported by the Qur’an, where Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) teaches believers to glorify Him for subduing creation for their benefit:
Litastawoo ‘alaa zuhoorihee summa tazkuroo ni’mata Rabbikum izastawaitum ‘alaihi wa taqooloo Subhaanal lazee sakhkhara lana haaza wa maa kunnaa lahoo muqrineen wa innaaa ilaa Rabbinaa lamunqaliboon
English Translation:
That you may settle yourselves upon their backs, 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.”
四、Why Recite This Dua Before Driving?
Travel—whether by car, plane, or train—carries inherent risks, and turning to Allah in supplication is a believer’s source of comfort and protection. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, stated: ‘I am near to the thought of my servant as he thinks about me, and I am with him as he remembers me. If he remembers me in his heart, I also remember him in my heart; if he remembers me in assembly, I remember him in assembly better than his remembrance. If he draws near me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by a cubit; if he draws near me by a cubit, I draw near him by the space of two hands. And if he walks towards me, I rush towards him.’”
The Qur’an also reminds us: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Mawla (protector).” (Surah Taubah 9:51) Reciting this dua is an act of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and gratitude for His blessings—acknowledging that all means of transport are subdued by His will.
五、Practical Tip to Make This a Habit
To remember the dua consistently, print a copy of the Arabic text, transliteration, and translation, and place it on your car’s dashboard, cup holder, or phone case. This eliminates forgetfulness and distraction, making it easy to recite before every journey. The goal is to integrate this supplication into your routine, so it becomes second nature to seek Allah’s protection before traveling.
Related Duas for Travel
Dhikr Subhanallah Wa Bihamdihi: A powerful remembrance of Allah to invoke His blessings during travel.
Dua For Parents: Pray for your loved ones’ safety while you travel.
Dua Hasbunallahu wa Ni’mal Wakeel: “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs”—a dua for calm and trust in uncertain journeys.
May Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) protect you and your loved ones on every journey, grant you safe arrival, and accept your supplications. Ameen.
Jazakallah khair—may Allah reward you with His mercy and guidance.
