‘Safar’ is the word for travel in Arabic and Urdu, and in Islamic and Muslim traditions, reciting supplications or dua before any short or long-distance travel is a way of seeking Allah SWT’s protection and blessings in any endeavor one undertakes. This travel supplication in Islam is found in Surah Az-Zukhruf verse 13 and 14 that was revealed to Prophet Muhmmad (PBUH).
Here is dua for travel or ((safar ki dua) in Islam:
Arabic
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
(SURAH AZ-ZUKHRUF VERSE 13-14)
“Glory be to Him 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.”
Travel Supplication in Islam – English Translation (Safar ki dua in English)
پاک ہے وہ جس نے اس سواری کو ہمارے قابو میں کردیا اور ہم اسے قابوکرنے کی طاقت نہ رکھتے تھے۔. اور بیشک ہم اپنے رب کی طرف ہی پلٹنے والے ہیں ۔(اُردو میں سفر کی دعا
سفر کی دعا کا اردو ترجمہ
“कितना महिमावान है वह जिसने इसको हमारे वश में किया, अन्यथा हम तो इसे क़ाबू में कर सकनेवाले न थे. और निश्चय ही हम अपने रब की ओर लौटनेवाले है
हिंदी (Safar ki dua Hindi)
Travel Supplication In Islam: Safar ki Dua in Quran
This dua al-safar in Islam is based on Quranic verses 13 and 14 of Surah Az-Zukhruf (Quran). The Surah Az-Zukhruf is the 43rd Surah (chapter) and consists of 89 verses (ayah) and was revealed during the Prophet Muhammad’s time in Mecca.
Like other revelations during the Meccan period, and covers multiple themes such as glorifying the power and blessing of Allah SWT, including Tawheed (oneness of Allah), afterlife, believers, and disbelievers.
In this context, these specific verses used as travel supplication refers to various powers of Allah Almighty and how his blessed mankind to take charge of various animals and tools to roam around or travel, therefore this verse (ayah) urges believers to count Allah’s blessings and acknowledge Allah’s power whenever mounting any conveyance by declaring this travel supplication.
How to Recite Dua for Safe Travel
Whether you are travelling via bus, or train or via flight, this travel supplication, by the Grace of Allah, will put you at ease and protect you throughout the journeys.
Method Based on Sunnah
The method of properly reciting this is mentioned in Jami At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 6, Book of Supplications, Hadith 3446 Ali bin Rabi’ah who narrated that:
“I witnessed Ali having an animal brought to him to ride. When he placed his foot in the stirrup he said: ‘In the Name of Allah,’ (Bismillāh) [three times].
So then, once he had ascended upon its back, he said: ‘All praise is due to Allah.’ (Al-ḥamdulillāh) then he said: 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 (Subḥān alladhī sakh-khara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahū muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbinā lamunqalibūn). Then he said: ‘All praise is due to Allah (Al-ḥamdulillāh)’ – three times – and ‘Allah is the Greatest (Allāhu Akbar)’ – three times – ‘Glory is to You, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for indeed none forgives sins except You (Subḥānaka innī qad ẓalamtu nafsī faghfirlī fa-innahū lā yaghfirudh-dhunūba illā ant).’
Then he laughed. So I said: ‘O Commander of the Believer! What caused you to laugh?’ He said: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah do as I did, then he (ﷺ) laughed, so I said, ‘What cause you to laugh?’ 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.”
Jami At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 6, Book of Supplications, Hadith 3446
Steps to Recite Travel Supplication (Safar Ki Dua)
- first reciting Bismillah,
- Allahamduillah: thanking Allah for his blessing and,
- Reciting Safar ki Dua (13 and 14 of Surah Az-Zukruf ),
- Recite Allahdulliha three times,
- Recite Allahu Akbar three times,
- Recite Subḥānaka innī qad ẓalamtu nafsī faghfirlī fa-innahū lā yaghfirudh-dhunūba illā ant.
Rest assured, your journey, whether it’s long or short, on foot or via plane, bus, car, train, and so on, Allah SWT will keep you under his divine protection. The best method is to memorize it and recite it before starting any journey, or you can play it for your family and children on your mobile phone, or play safar ki dua in the car and listen to it.
You can also listen to the travel dua in this video:
Why Is It Important to Recite Safar Ki Duas?
As muslims, we believe in the utmost power of Allah SWT and the temporary nature of this world. By reminding ourselves of the power of Allah and seeking his protection and blessings, we are acknowledging these two core beliefs of our faith. When it is recited with utmost faith, all problems and hurdles subside with the blessing of Allah SWT, and the journey is blessed throughout the way.
Memorize this wonderful and blessed Islamic dua for travel and have a safe and protective journey.