Travelling is a regular part of life, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught numerous Sunnahs related to it — from the moment you leave your home until you return. Following these practices brings protection, ease, and barakah to your journey, and turns every trip into an opportunity for worship and reward.
The Sunnahs before departure include: praying two rak'ahs before leaving home; saying the du'a for leaving the house: بسم الله توكلت على الله ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله ("In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might or power except with Allah"); informing your family and friends of your travel plans; settling any debts; and preparing provisions. When boarding your vehicle, the Sunnah is to say Bismillah, then recite the du'a of travel: سبحان الذي سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين وإنا إلى ربنا لمنقلبون (SubhanAlladhi sakh-khara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrineen, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqaliboon).
While travelling, the Prophet ﷺ would make takbeer (say Allahu Akbar) when ascending high ground and tasbeeh (say SubhanAllah) when descending. He would also make abundant du'a during the journey, as the du'a of the traveller is accepted. If travelling with companions, the Sunnah is to appoint a leader (ameer) for the group. The Prophet ﷺ discouraged travelling alone, saying: "If people knew what I know about travelling alone, no one would travel alone at night."
Upon arriving at your destination, the Sunnah du'a is: أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق ("I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created") — whoever says this at a stopping place, nothing will harm them until they leave. When returning home, the Sunnah is to say the return du'a and to pray two rak'ahs at the masjid before going home. Our program provides all these du'as in Arabic with transliteration and a convenient travel checklist.