When the Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to travel, when he mounted his riding camel, he would say the Takbir three times and say: 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 would say: “O Allah, I ask You in this journey of mine from the righteousness and piety and actions that which you are pleased with. O Allah, ease for us the path, and make near for us the distance of the land. O Allah, You are the companion in the journey, and the caretaker for the family. O Allah, accompany us in our journey, and take care of our families (Allāhumma innī as’aluka fī safarī hādhā minal-birri wat-taqwā, wa minal-`amali mā tarḍā. Allāhumma hawwin `alainal-masīra, waṭwi `annā bu`dal-arḍ. Allāhumma antaṣ-ṣāḥibu fis safari wal-khalīfatu fil-ahli. Allāhumma aṣḥabnā fī safarinā wakhlufnā fī ahlinā).” And when he would return to his family, he would say: “(We are) Returning, if Allah wills, repenting, worshipping, and to our Lord directing the praise (Ā’ibūna in shā’ Allāh, tā’ibūna `ābidūna lirabbinā hāmidūn).”
Narrated by Ibn `Umar narrated that:
Context
In this hadith, Ibn `Umar narrates the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when embarking on a journey. He would begin by praising Allah and acknowledging His power in making travel possible. The Prophet (ﷺ) would then make supplications for righteousness and ease during the journey, emphasizing the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support. Upon returning, he would express gratitude and repentance, highlighting the spiritual significance of travel.
Modern Application
In our daily commutes or travels, we can adopt the practice of making supplications for safety and guidance. By starting our journeys with a prayer, we can cultivate mindfulness and a sense of connection to Allah, asking for His assistance in our endeavors and expressing gratitude upon our return.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Supplication because it emphasizes the importance of making prayers during travel.
That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.
Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.
