Practicing our faith is not confined to the masjid. Islam is a way of life—and nowhere is this more apparent than within the walls of our own homes. Our houses are not just physical structures of comfort and shelter; they are sanctuaries, spiritual spaces where we nurture love, worship, and divine remembrance.
One of the simplest yet most profound ways to invite the blessings of Allah ﷻ into our homes is by reciting the duʿāʾ for entering the house. Though small in wording, this supplication opens great doors to protection, peace, and purpose.
When we step into our homes and recite this duʿāʾ, we are in fact saying: “This house belongs to Allah. His name is the first word we speak upon entry. And we trust in Him fully.”
Why Begin With the Name of Allah?
Reciting “Bismillāh” (In the name of Allah) is more than just tradition. It is a declaration of tawḥīd—our firm belief that all power, protection, and provision lies with Allah alone.
Entering the home with dhikr (remembrance) turns the mundane into worship. It’s a shield, a spiritual claim that Shayṭān has no authority here. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When a man enters his house and remembers Allah upon entering and upon eating, Shayṭān says: ‘You have no lodging and no dinner.'”
— Sahih Muslim 2018 (Link to source)
By contrast, if one enters without remembering Allah, the devil finds his way inside. He not only enters, but claims hospitality, safety, and companionship.
The Dua for Entering the House
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us the following duʿāʾ:
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Transliteration:
Bismillāhi walajnā, wa bismillāhi kharajnā, wa ʿalā Allāhi rabbinā tawakkalnā
Translation:
“In the name of Allah we enter, in the name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we place our trust.”
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ added:
“…then say As-Salāmu ʿalaykum to those in the house.”
This greeting completes the act of entering with peace—literally and spiritually. It’s a prayer, a declaration of safety, and a sunnah that revives the warmth of the home.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Words
- “Bismillāh walajnā” – We enter in Allah’s name. This is a form of seeking barakah and divine permission. You are not barging into a space heedlessly—you are entering with humility and remembrance.
- “Wa bismillāhi kharajnā” – We leave with His name. Even your exits are sacred. You entrust your home to Allah while you are away.
- “Wa ʿalā Allāhi rabbinā tawakkalnā” – Complete reliance is placed on the Rabb (Lord) of all. This is not a formality; it’s a surrender of control to the One who controls all things.
Protection from Shayṭān
The Prophet ﷺ was very clear in warning us that Shayṭān seeks access to our spaces and routines. Homes without remembrance become vulnerable. But the moment you enter with this duʿāʾ and say salām, the following occurs:
- Angels enter with you.
- Shayṭān is barred from entry.
- The home is spiritually fortified.
As narrated:
“If a man mentions the name of Allah when entering his house and when eating, the Shayṭān says, ‘You have no place to stay and no dinner.’ But if he enters without mentioning Allah, Shayṭān says, ‘You have found a place to stay.’ And if he does not mention Allah at the time of eating, Shayṭān says, ‘You have found a place to stay and dinner.’”
— Sahih Muslim 2018
Your Home is a Masjid
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Make some of your prayers in your houses, and do not turn them into graves.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 432
This means that your home should echo with the remembrance of Allah. Saying the duʿāʾ when you enter aligns you with that guidance. It makes your house a spiritual zone, not just a physical refuge.
The Power of Greeting with Peace
Completing the duʿāʾ with a salutation:
“As-Salāmu ʿalaykum” (Peace be upon you)
…is not just polite—it’s prophetic.
- It spreads love and unity in the home.
- It blesses the home with safety and tranquility.
- It is recorded as a rewardable deed every single time.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Shall I not inform you of something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salām among yourselves.”
— Sahih Muslim 54
Teaching the Dua to Children
Instilling this sunnah in children is a way to:
- Develop their awareness of Allah in everyday actions
- Protect them spiritually from an early age
- Instill the habit of remembrance in their routine
Tips:
- Print the duʿāʾ and stick it near your door.
- Say it out loud with them daily.
- Turn it into a call-and-response to make it fun and memorable.
Making It a Family Routine
Just as families may have dinner together or share household chores, you can make entering the home a shared spiritual act. Here’s how:
- Whoever opens the door says the duʿāʾ aloud.
- Everyone replies with “Wa ʿalaykum as-salām” as they enter.
- Assign a weekly reminder or make it part of the night routine.
This small effort brings powerful barakah.
Practical Benefits of This Dua
- Mental clarity: You enter with presence, not distraction.
- Emotional peace: You align your heart before you face the people or tasks inside.
- Spiritual stability: The home becomes a place of tranquility, remembrance, and light.
Entering an Empty House
Even if no one is home, say “As-Salāmu ʿalaykum”.
Ibn ʿUmar said:
“When you enter an unoccupied house, say: ‘Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah.'”
This revives the sunnah and reminds us that Allah’s presence is always near.
Integrating Other Related Duas
In addition to this duʿāʾ, you may also want to:
- Recite Surah Al-Baqarah in the home regularly to expel Shayṭān
- Say Bismillāh before every major activity
- Use the duʿāʾ for leaving the house when stepping out
- Offer regular nafl (voluntary) prayers inside your home
Audio & TTS Options
For those learning Arabic or teaching children, having the duʿāʾ in audio format or as a Text-to-Speech (TTS) script can be very helpful. Consider using resources like:
- Qari recordings for tajwīd accuracy
- Duʿāʾ apps with audio playback
- Posters with TTS phonetics for visual aid
Dua When Leaving the House (Related)
Just as entering the house has its duʿāʾ, so does leaving:
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ
Bismillāh, tawakkaltu ʿalā Allāh, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-Allāh
“In the Name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or might except with Allah.”
This protects you until you return.
A Home That Remembers Allah
When Allah is mentioned in a house:
- The angels enter.
- Mercy descends.
- Shayṭān flees.
But when Allah is forgotten:
- Shayṭān takes up residence.
- Arguments multiply.
- Barakah disappears.
The duʿāʾ for entering your home sets the tone for everything inside—relationships, sleep, meals, and moods.
Reflection: What Makes a House a Home?
It’s not walls or furniture.
It’s light, mercy, peace, and divine remembrance.
The duʿāʾ for entering your home is a small key to a vast door of barakah. In a world where distraction and disturbance are constant, this one habit can transform your home into a fortress of sakīnah (tranquility).
As you cross your threshold today, remember that every step taken with Allah’s name is blessed. And every home that begins with duʿāʾ becomes a place of Jannah on earth.
“Indeed, the remembrance of Allah brings peace to the hearts.”
— Qur’an, Surah Ar-Raʿd 13:28
May Allah (s.w.t) fill your homes with His infinite mercy and tranquillity. Ameen.
