Dua for Someone Who Is Travelling | A Guide to Prayers and Islamic Etiquette for Farewells and Safe Journeys
Supporting a Traveller With the Power of Dua
In every journey, whether it’s across continents or just a few hours away, lies a spiritual lesson. Travel in Islam is not just a physical movement—it is a transition of states, a test of faith, a pursuit of provision, knowledge, or family ties, and most importantly, a moment when a believer is in special need of Allah’s protection and guidance.
As Muslims, it is part of our brotherhood and sisterhood to support one another, especially at times of departure. When a loved one is leaving on a journey, it is a beautiful Sunnah to send them off with dua—prayers filled with hope, mercy, and trust in Allah.
The Islamic Virtue of Farewell Duas
Farewell in Islam is not left to casual “goodbye” or “take care.” The Prophet ﷺ taught us that parting is a moment of spiritual significance, and the best way to send someone off is not through worldly gifts, but with a gift of prayer.
The Hadith of the Prophet’s Farewell
عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا وَدَّعَ رَجُلًا، أَخَذَ بِيَدِهِ وَلَمْ يَدَعْ يَدَهُ حَتَّى يَكُونَ الرَّجُلُ هُوَ الَّذِي يَدَعُ يَدَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ، وَيَقُولُ: “أَسْتَوْدِعُ اللَّهَ دِينَكَ، وَأَمَانَتَكَ، وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ”
“I entrust your religion, your trust, and the endings of your deeds to Allah.”
This supplication highlights what truly matters during travel: your deen (religion), your amānah (trust and responsibilities), and your ʿamal (actions and their conclusion). These are the spiritual anchors a Muslim carries wherever they go.
Why Dua Matters Before and During Travel
Travel—while exciting—can be unpredictable. Physical risks, disconnection from one’s environment, fatigue, and exposure to new challenges make the traveller more vulnerable. In those moments, Allah is the ultimate protector.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“ثَلَاثُ دَعَوَاتٍ مُسْتَجَابَاتٌ: دَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْمُسَافِرِ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ عَلَى وَلَدِهِ.”
“There are three supplications that are not rejected: the supplication of the oppressed, the traveller, and the parent against their child.”
This shows that the dua of the traveller holds a special status with Allah. When we make dua for someone travelling—or when they make dua for us—it is a golden moment to seek Allah’s mercy and protection.
Authentic Duas for Someone Who Is Travelling
Below are some of the most authentic and meaningful duʿāʾs from the Sunnah that you can say for someone who is embarking on a journey.
1. The Prophet’s Farewell Supplication
أَسْتَوْدِعُ اللَّهَ دِينَكَ، وَأَمَانَتَكَ، وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ
Transliteration:
Astawdiʿu Allāh dīnaka, wa amānataka, wa khawātīma ʿamalik.
Translation:
I entrust your religion, your trust, and the conclusion of your deeds to Allah.
Context:
This was the regular farewell of the Prophet ﷺ to his companions when they were setting out for a journey. It ensures spiritual well-being, not just physical safety.
2. When Addressing a Group (Army, Caravan, Family)
أَسْتَوْدِعُ اللَّهَ دِينَكُمْ، وَأَمَانَتَكُمْ، وَخَوَاتِيمَ أَعْمَالِكُمْ
Transliteration:
Astawdiʿu Allāh dīnākum, wa amānātakum, wa khawātīma aʿmālikum.
Translation:
I entrust your religion, your trusts, and the conclusions of your deeds to Allah.
Context:
This was said by the Prophet ﷺ to entire groups, such as military units or delegations. It reflects communal care and collective protection.
3. General Well-Wishing for a Traveller
زَوَّدَكَ اللَّهُ التَّقْوَى، وَغَفَرَ ذَنْبَكَ، وَيَسَّرَ لَكَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُمَا كُنْتَ
Transliteration:
Zawwādaka Allāhu al-taqwā, wa ghafara dhanbaka, wa yassara laka al-khayra ḥaythu mā kunta.
Translation:
May Allah provide you with taqwa, forgive your sins, and facilitate good for you wherever you may be.
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3443
Context:
This is a perfect prayer for someone leaving for Hajj, Umrah, studies, or even business. It centers around what is most needed on any journey—taqwa and forgiveness.
4. Farewell Dua with Peace
فِي أَمَانِ اللَّهِ، وَفِي حِفْظِ اللَّهِ، وَفِي رِعَايَةِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration:
Fī amāni Allāh, wa fī ḥifẓi Allāh, wa fī riʿāyati Allāh.
Translation:
May you be in the security of Allah, in the protection of Allah, and in the care of Allah.
Context:
A commonly used phrase among Muslims, especially in Arab cultures, to say goodbye with deep spiritual meaning.
What the Traveller Should Say Themselves
If you are the one travelling, here are some powerful supplications from the Sunnah to recite at the start of your journey and during the travel.
5. Supplication When Mounting the Vehicle
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Transliteration:
Subḥāna alladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbinā lamunqalibūn.
Translation:
Glory is to Him who has subjected this [transport] to us, and we could not have done it on our own. And surely, to our Lord we will return.
Source: Surah Al-Zukhruf 43:13–14
6. Full Sunnah Travel Dua
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى، وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى، اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا، وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ، وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الْأَهْلِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ، وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالْأَهْلِ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma innā nasʾaluka fī safarinā hādhā al-birra wa al-taqwā, wa mina al-ʿamali mā tarḍā. Allāhumma hawwin ʿalaynā safaranā hādhā, waṭwi ʿannā buʿdah. Allāhumma anta al-ṣāḥibu fī al-safar, wa al-khalīfatu fī al-ahl. Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min waʿthāʾi al-safar, wa kaʾābati al-manẓar, wa sūʾi al-munqalabi fī al-māl wa al-ahl.
Translation:
O Allah, we ask You in this journey for righteousness and taqwa, and actions that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its length. O Allah, You are the Companion in travel and the Guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, distressing sights, and a bad return in wealth and family.
Source: Sahih Muslim 1342
When the Traveller Returns
Even upon return, the Sunnah shows us how to welcome someone with joy and barakah.
7. Upon the Return of a Traveller
آيِبُونَ، تَائِبُونَ، عَابِدُونَ، لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ
Transliteration:
Āyibūna, tāʾibūna, ʿābidūna, li-rabbinā ḥāmidūn.
Translation:
We return (home), repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.
Source: Sahih Muslim 1344
Context:
This duʿāʾ was said by the Prophet ﷺ upon returning from travel, often entering Madinah with these words of praise and gratitude.
Practical Tips for Farewell and Travel
1. Write Down the Duas
Many people forget the wording of these duʿāʾs. Consider writing them in a travel journal, on a luggage tag, or as a phone wallpaper.
2. Give Sadaqah Before the Journey
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving charity as a form of protection. It also softens the heart before leaving loved ones.
3. Stay in Touch with Dhikr
Advise the traveller to continue dhikr and salah during the journey. These acts preserve the soul during transitions.
A Journey Covered in Dua
Travel changes us. It’s more than geography—it reshapes routines, tests our patience, and renews our reliance on Allah. Whether you are sending someone off or travelling yourself, make dua your companion.
Remember, these moments of departure are golden doors of opportunity. Use them to pour your heart out in dua for safety, success, and sabr (patience). As Muslims, we say farewell not just with words—but with the remembrance of the Most Merciful.
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