A Muslim can turn his travelling into worship by reciting the dua of journey and following some very easy Sunnah of travelling. The dua for travelling can be easily memorized when you recite it on a regular basis. We should also encourage our children to memorize these dua and remind them to recite them when they set out on a journey. Insha-Allah, the journey that starts with the remembrance of Allah will be blessed and safe.
Dua for Travelling
Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to say Bismillah when he would mount on an animal for travelling. He then recited the following verse of the Quran:
Transliteration: Subhana-alladhi sakh-khara la-na hadha wa ma kunna la-hu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
Meaning: Glory unto Him Who created this transportation, for us, though we were unable to create it on our own. And unto our Lord we shall return.
Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:13-14
Thereafter, he recited Alhamdulillah (all praises be to Allah) 3 times and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 3 times. He then recited the following dua:
Transliteration: Subhanaka inni dhalamtu nafsi faghfirli fa innahu laa yaghfiru-zunuba illaa anta.
Meaning: “O Allah, You are pure, surely I have oppressed myself so forgive me for You are the only One Who forgives sins”.
After reciting the above dua, he used to look at the sky and smile. When his companion asked him why he smiles after reciting this dua, he informed them that Allah becomes happy with the person who recites this dua so the prophet smiled to express his happiness as well. (Mishkaat)
It is advisable to say takbeer (Allahu Akbar) when going upward during a journey and saying SubhanAllah when descending. Al-Bukhari narrated in his Saheeh that Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When we went up we would say takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and when we went down we would say tasbeeh (Subhan Allah).
Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.)’s blessed habit was to return from a journey during chasth time (before noon) within the city. He would first go to the Masjid, perform two rakaats Salaats. Thereafter he would stay in the Masjid for a little while and then go home. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) loved to journey on Thursdays. (Bukhari)
When the prophet would return back from a journey, he recited the following dua:
Transliteration: Ayiboona taiboona ‘abidoona li rabbina hamidoon.
Meaning: “Returning, repenting, worshipping and praising our Lord).” (Sahih Muslim)