Dua for Entering Home | Embracing Peace and Blessings |An Islamic Reflection on Transforming the Ordinary into the Sacred
In the life of a Muslim, nothing is trivial. Even the most routine aspects of daily life can become acts of worship when approached with the right intention and remembrance of Allah. Entering our homes is one such moment. On the surface, it may seem like an ordinary act — turning the key, stepping into familiar surroundings, hearing the laughter of loved ones. Yet, for the believer who is conscious of Allah, this simple moment can be transformed into a spiritual experience, a doorway into blessings, mercy, and divine protection.
The Islamic Worldview: Living with Intention
Islam is not just a religion of rituals, it is a way of life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that actions are judged by intentions:
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1907
This hadith reminds us that every action, when coupled with a sincere intention and the remembrance of Allah, becomes meaningful. Even entering our own homes, if done with the name of Allah, becomes an act of dhikr (remembrance), an invocation of protection, and an expression of gratitude.
The Dua for Entering the Home
Among the many beautiful duas that the Prophet ﷺ taught us, there is one specifically for entering our homes:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Bismillāhi walajnā, wa bismillāhi kharajnā, wa ʿalā Allāhi rabbina tawakkalnā
“In the name of Allah we enter, and in the name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we place our trust.”
This dua is reported in Sunan Abi Dawood (Hadith 5096) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2018). It is a powerful combination of tawakkul (reliance on Allah), gratitude, and seeking barakah (blessings) in our daily routine.
Why Is This Dua So Important?
1. Protection from Shayṭān
One of the most important reasons to recite this dua when entering the home is to protect oneself and one’s family from the evil of Shayṭān. The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِذَا دَخَلَ الرَّجُلُ بَيْتَهُ، فَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عِنْدَ دُخُولِهِ وَعِنْدَ طَعَامِهِ، قَالَ الشَّيْطَانُ: لَا مَبِيتَ لَكُمْ وَلَا عَشَاءَ
“When a man enters his house and mentions the Name of Allah at the time of entering it and while eating the food, Shayṭān says, ‘You have no place to stay and no dinner.’”
— Sahih Muslim 2018
When we forget to remember Allah upon entering our home, we inadvertently open the door to Shayṭān. This does not only refer to spiritual harm but also to the unseen discord and negativity that may enter our homes.
By beginning with “بِسْمِ اللهِ”, we create a boundary — a spiritual shield — that prevents the shayṭīn from entering or causing harm.
2. Affirming Tawakkul on Allah
The dua ends with:
وَعَلَى اللهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
“…and upon our Lord we place our trust.”
This is more than just a phrase. It is a declaration of our faith and recognition that our protection, our provision, and our peace all rest solely with Allah. In a world full of uncertainties, putting our trust in Allah brings serenity to the heart.
3. Inviting Barakah into the Home
When we begin anything in the name of Allah, we invite barakah — divine blessing — into our lives. Just as we say “Bismillah” before eating, sleeping, or any major task, beginning with Allah’s name while entering the home brings a special kind of peace to our domestic space.
Barakah in the home manifests in many ways — ease in affairs, strong relationships, good health, and spiritual contentment.
The Home in Islam: A Sanctuary of Faith
The home, in Islam, is not just a place of rest. It is a microcosm of the Ummah, a private world where Islam is practiced, taught, and cherished. It is in the home that salah is established, the Qur’an is recited, and the love of the Prophet ﷺ is cultivated.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ
“The best of you is the one who is best to his family.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3895 (Hasan Ṣaḥīḥ)
Entering the home with the remembrance of Allah sets a tone of respect, love, and tranquility. It creates an atmosphere where the Sunnah thrives, and where mercy between spouses, children, and parents is nurtured.
Practical Sunnahs to Follow When Entering the Home
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the best example in all aspects of life, including how he entered his home. Here are some Sunnahs that a Muslim can implement:
1. Knocking or Seeking Permission
Even when entering one’s own home, it is from adab (etiquette) to knock or make one’s presence known. Allah says in the Qur’an:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّىٰ تَسْتَأْنِسُوا وَتُسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا
“O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants.”
— Surah An-Nur (24:27)
This principle of seeking permission reflects respect and consideration, even among close family members.
2. Entering with the Right Foot First
The Prophet ﷺ would prefer the right side in all his affairs. It is Sunnah to enter the home with the right foot first, and exit with the left foot. This is part of the broader Sunnah of loving cleanliness and order.
3. Saying Salam
Whether there are people at home or not, it is Sunnah to say:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
“Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.”
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged saying salam as it spreads peace, strengthens bonds, and is a form of du’a.
What If One Forgets the Dua?
Sometimes in the rush of life, we may forget to recite the dua upon entering. Islam is a religion of mercy. If we remember shortly afterward, we can say it then, and still hope for Allah’s protection. However, building the habit of conscious entry into our homes — like we do with wudu before prayer — can strengthen our spiritual routines.
One practical way is to write or print the dua and place it near the entrance, as a gentle reminder for the whole family.
The Home as a Fortress of Faith
We live in a world filled with external pressures — societal expectations, digital distractions, moral confusion. For a believer, the home becomes a refuge, a place where one reconnects with Allah, where faith is preserved, and where hearts are nourished.
Reciting this dua while entering helps fortify our homes spiritually. Just as we lock our doors to protect from physical intruders, remembering Allah locks the spiritual doors against harmful influences.
A House Remembering Allah Is Alive
In a powerful narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
مَثَلُ الْبَيْتِ الَّذِي يُذْكَرُ اللَّهُ فِيهِ، وَالْبَيْتِ الَّذِي لَا يُذْكَرُ اللَّهُ فِيهِ، مَثَلُ الْحَيِّ وَالْمَيِّتِ
“The example of the house in which Allah is remembered and the house in which Allah is not remembered is like that of the living and the dead.”
— Sahih Muslim 779
A house without the remembrance of Allah is spiritually dead. But when we remember Allah — even with simple duas like this — we breathe life into our homes.
Turning Habit Into Worship
The dua for entering the home teaches us that Islam is not limited to the masjid, nor only to moments of prayer. It encompasses all aspects of life. With sincerity and mindfulness, we can turn even the act of walking into our home into an act of devotion.
Let us strive to make our homes places of light, remembrance, and mercy. It’s important for us to teach our children to begin every action with the name of Allah. Let us shield our homes from harm by invoking the One who is Al-Hāfiẓ — the ultimate Protector.
And next time you stand before your door, keys in hand, take a moment to pause — and say from your heart:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
By doing so, you are not just entering a physical space, but stepping into a place where angels dwell, where peace descends, and where Allah’s name is honored.
Notes on the Hadith:
The narration “بِسْمِ اللهِ وَلَجْنَا…” is reported in Sahih Muslim and considered authentic (ṣaḥīḥ). Imam An-Nawawi included it in his collection of essential daily duas, indicating its strong basis in the Sunnah and the consensus of scholars on its validity and practical use. It is a well-established Sunnah to be followed by every believer seeking blessings and protection from Allah.
This simple yet meaningful dua, when recited upon entering our homes, recognizes Allah’s bountiful blessings and serves as a reminder of our dependence on His protection and guidance. It invokes Allah’s favor as we return to the shelter of our homes, creating a haven filled with love, tranquility, and spiritual harmony. SubhanAllah, through this small act, we are reminded of the omnipresence of His mercy and grace.
May we cultivate the habit of reciting this dua when entering our homes, creating a serene intensity in the sanctity of our dwellings. May our homes be places where we find solace, peace, and spiritual nourishment, and may our hearts overflow with gratitude for the boundless kindness of Allah. Ameen.
Additional Duaa | Permissible but Not Mentioned in Sunnah
In addition to the authentic duʿāʾs from the Sunnah— which carries both protection and barakah, a Muslim may also use other permissible phrases to invoke blessings when entering the home. While these phrases are not directly from the Sunnah, they fall under the general principle of making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and asking for barakah — which is encouraged in the Qur’an and Hadith.
Below are some recommended phrases, not from the Prophetic Sunnah specifically for entering the home, but allowed in spirit as part of general dhikr and dua:
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصَّالِحِينَ
As-salāmu ʿalaynā wa ʿalā ʿibādillāhiṣ-ṣāliḥīn
“Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.”
This is taken from the Tashahhud in prayer and is a beautiful, comprehensive way of greeting one’s home, especially if no one is inside.
This phrase can be used when entering an empty home, and is supported by classical scholars such as Imam Al-Baghawi and Al-Tabari as appropriate etiquette derived from general principles.
ٱللَّهُمَّ ٱجْعَلْ هَذَا ٱلْبَيْتَ بَيْتَ بَرَكَةٍ وَسَكِينَةٍ وَرَحْمَةٍ
Allāhumma ajʿal hādhā al-bayta bayta barakatin wa sakīnatin wa raḥmah
“O Allah, make this house a house of blessing, tranquility, and mercy.”
This is a personal duʿāʾ one can say upon entering or moving into a home. While not from the Hadith, it is a beautiful and permissible prayer seeking divine blessings and peace.
ٱللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي بُيُوتِنَا وَأَهْلِنَا
Allāhumma bārik lanā fī buyūtinā wa ahlinā
“O Allah, bless us in our homes and our families.”
You may use this supplication regularly, especially when coming home after travel or a long day, asking Allah for ongoing barakah in one’s household.
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي آوَانَا وَكَفَانَا وَآمَنَنَا
Al-ḥamdu lillāh alladhī āwānā wa kafānā wa āmananā
“All praise is due to Allah who sheltered us, sufficed us, and gave us safety.”
This is derived from a general hadith (Sahih Muslim 2715), where the Prophet ﷺ would say this in praise of Allah for security and provision. Though not specific for entering the home, it is appropriate to express gratitude after returning safely.
5. Frequent Tasbīḥ and Dhikr
In addition to specific phrases, it is highly recommended to engage in frequent tasbīḥ (glorification of Allah) when entering or staying at home. For example:
- سُبْحَانَ الله (Subḥān Allāh) – Glory be to Allah
- ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّه (Al-ḥamdu lillāh) – All praise is for Allah
- لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّه (Lā ilāha illā Allāh) – None has the right to be worshipped but Allah
- ٱللَّهُ أَكْبَر (Allāhu Akbar) – Allah is the Greatest
These are always permissible and bring light and blessings into any home.
Avoiding Bidʿah (Innovation)
It is important to remember:
- Any specific phrases claimed to be “Sunnah” for entering the home must be supported by authentic reports.
- The above-mentioned phrases are general supplications, acceptable under the broader principles of duʿāʾ and dhikr, but should not be treated as fixed rituals with prophetic origin.
- One should not insist upon them as obligatory or make them ritualistic in a way the Prophet ﷺ did not do.
May Allah bless our homes, fill them with barakah, sakīnah (tranquility), and mercy, and protect them from harm, both seen and unseen.
Sources and References
- The Noble Qur’an
- Surah An-Nur (24:27):
“O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants.”
Surah An-Nur 24:27 – Quran.com
- Surah An-Nur (24:27):
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
- “Actions are by intentions” – Hadith 1: إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
Sahih al-Bukhari 1 – Sunnah.com
- “Actions are by intentions” – Hadith 1: إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
- Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
- Duʿāʾ for entering the home & protection from Shayṭān: “When a man enters his house and remembers Allah… Shayṭān says: You have no place to stay…”
Sahih Muslim 2018a – Sunnah.com - House with dhikr vs. without (alive vs. dead): “The example of the house in which Allah is remembered…”
Sahih Muslim 779 – Sunnah.com - Praise to Allah for shelter and safety: “All praise is due to Allah who has provided us with shelter…”
Sahih Muslim 2715 – Sunnah.com
- Duʿāʾ for entering the home & protection from Shayṭān: “When a man enters his house and remembers Allah… Shayṭān says: You have no place to stay…”
- Sunan Abī Dāwūd
- Duʿāʾ when entering and exiting the house: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Sunan Abi Dawud 5096 – Sunnah.com
- Duʿāʾ when entering and exiting the house: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
- Sunan al-Tirmidhī
- Best of you are best to their families: خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3895 – Sunnah.com
- Best of you are best to their families: خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ
- Riyāḍ aṣ-Ṣāliḥīn by Imām al-Nawawī
- A key text compiling daily etiquette and duʿāʾs. Accessible online:
Riyad as-Salihin – Sunnah.com
- A key text compiling daily etiquette and duʿāʾs. Accessible online:
- Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī and Tafsīr al-Baghawī
- Classic exegesis explaining the context and etiquette of entering homes, especially regarding Surah An-Nur (24:27).
Available in Arabic via AlTafsir.com
- Classic exegesis explaining the context and etiquette of entering homes, especially regarding Surah An-Nur (24:27).
- Al-Adhkār by Imām an-Nawawī
- A foundational book on daily remembrances and duʿāʾs. Selections and English translations can be found online through Islamic bookstores and educational institutions.
- Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim)
- A widely accepted collection of authentic duʿāʾs for everyday use, including home-related adhkār. Available free:
Hisnul Muslim (PDF Download)
- A widely accepted collection of authentic duʿāʾs for everyday use, including home-related adhkār. Available free:
