What is Safar?
Safar (سفر) is an Arabic term meaning “travel,” “journey,” or “transportation.” It is also the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar—a month historically associated with Muslims traveling to gather provisions.
In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught specific duas (supplications) for those undertaking a journey, regardless of the mode of transport (airplane, car, boat, etc.). Below are authentic supplications and guidance for safe travel, rooted in the Sunnah.
Dua for Travel (Before Departure)
The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions recited this supplication when beginning a journey. The steps to recite are:
- Say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) three times.
- Say Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah).
- Recite:
Subhan Alladhi Sakhkhara Lana Hadha Wa Ma Kunna Lahu Muqrinin. Wa Inna Ila Rabbina Lamunqalibun
(Glory is to Him Who has subjected this [transport] to us, and we were not capable of doing so. Surely, to our Lord we will return.)
Note: This supplication is also referenced in Surah Zukhruf (Verses 13-14).
- Say Alhamdulillah three times and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) three times.
- Recite:
Subhanaka Inni Qad Zalamtu Nafsi Faghfirli Fa-Innahu La Yaghfirudh-Dhunuba Illa Ant
(Glory be to You! Indeed, I have wronged myself, so forgive me—for none forgives sins except You.)
Context from the Sunnah
Ali bin Rabi’ah narrated: “I saw Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) have an animal brought to ride. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said ‘Bismillah’ three times. After mounting, he said ‘Alhamdulillah,’ then recited the supplication about Allah subjecting the transport to us. He then said ‘Alhamdulillah’ three times and ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times, followed by the supplication for forgiveness. Then he laughed. I asked, ‘O Commander of the Believers, why do you laugh?’ He replied, ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) do the same, then he laughed. I asked him why, and he said: “Your Lord is very pleased with His worshipper when they say, ‘O my Lord, forgive me my sins—indeed, no one other than You forgives sins.’”’”
Simplified Travel Supplication
- Transliteration: Bismiallahi wa alhamdu liallahi. Subhanaalladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
- Translation: In the name of Allah, and praise be to Allah. Glory be to the One Who has placed this transport at our service—we ourselves could not have done this—and to our Lord we will surely return.
Dua Upon Reaching Your Destination
Supplication for Seeking Good and Protection
- Arabic Text: اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الْأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَقْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ وَمَا أَضْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الرِّيَاحِ وَمَا ذَرَيْنَ فَإِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ وَخَيْرَ أَهْلَهَا وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلَهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا
- Transliteration: Allahumma rab alsamawat alsabʿi wa ma aẓlalna, wa rab alardiyna alsabʿi wa ma aqlalna, wa rab alshayatin wa ma adlalna, wa rab alriyah wa ma dharayna. Fa-inna nas’aluka khayr hadhihi alqaryah wa khayr ahlaha, wa naʿudhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahlaha wa sharri ma fihi.
- Translation: “O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and all that they cover, Lord of the seven earths and all that they contain, Lord of the devils and those they mislead, Lord of the winds and all they carry—we ask You for the good of this town and the good of its people. We seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of its people, and the evil of all that is in it.”
Protection Supplication for When You Alight
- Arabic Text: أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق
- Transliteration: A’udhu bikalimat-illahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa
- Translation: “I seek refuge with the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
Context from the Sunnah
Khaulah bint Hakim (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever alights somewhere and recites this supplication will not be harmed until they leave that place.’”
Sunnah Guidance for Safe Travel
Travel with Companions
The Prophet (ﷺ) advised: “If people knew what I know about the dangers of traveling alone, no rider would travel alone at night.” In another narration, he said: “A single rider is accompanied by Satan, two riders by two Satans, and three riders form a group (of believers, protected from such harm).”
While modern travel is safer than in the Prophet’s time, traveling with others remains wise—you are less likely to make mistakes, face exploitation, or feel vulnerable, especially during long or night journeys.
When Ascending Heights (e.g., Planes, Mountains)
Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions ascended a height, they would say ‘Allahu Akbar.’ When they descended, they would say ‘Subhan Allah’ (Glory be to Allah).”
Shortened Prayers While Traveling
Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “The Prophet (ﷺ) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers (qasr). So when we traveled and stayed for nineteen days, we also shortened our prayers; if we stayed longer, we offered the full prayer.” This Sunnah allows travelers to shorten obligatory prayers (reducing four-unit prayers to two) to ease the burden of journeying.
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