Prayers to Recite When Setting Out
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended certain prayers and surahs to recite when traveling. These prayers are an important means of seeking Allah’s help, taking refuge in safety, and being blessed with sustenance during our journeys.
SHORT SURAHS TO RECITE WHEN SETTING OUT
There are five surahs recommended to be recited when setting out on a journey (sefer). Each of these surahs should begin and end with Bismillahirrahmanirrahim:
- Kafiroon Surah
- Nasr Surah
- Ikhlas Surah
- Falaq Surah
- Naas Surah
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If you set out on a journey, do you wish to have among your companions one whose character is the best and whose provision is the most abundant? Then recite these five surahs: Kafiroon, Nasr, Ikhlas, Falaq, and Naas. Begin each surah with Bismillah and end it with Bismillah.” (Heysemi, X, 134)
Click here to recite the short surahs
PRAYER TO BE RECITED ON THE ROAD OR JOURNEY
Prayer that can be recited during sefer (travel):
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
“O Lord! I seek Your help and I put my trust in You. Ease my hardship and make my journey easy and provide me with sustenance through goodness. Protect me from all evil. O Lord! Expand my breast [with compassion]. Make my task easy, untie the knot of my tongue [that I may eloquently preach Your word], and grant me guidance.” (cf. Nawawi, al-Azkar, 195 ff.)
PRAYER TO RECITE BEFORE SETTING OUT
Prayer that can be recited when leaving home:
“In the name of Allah. I believe in Allah, I seek refuge in Allah, I put my trust in Allah, strength and power are only with Allah.” Whoever says this will be granted a good place to go and protected from an evil place. (Ali al-Muttaqi, no: 17534)
PRAYER TO RECITE WHEN STAYING OVER ON A JOURNEY
Prayer that can be recited during accommodation:
“Whenever one of you sets out on a journey or stays at an inn, let him draw a line around his belongings and say: ‘Allah is my Lord; He has no partner.’ His belongings will be protected.” (Ali al-Muttaqi, no: 17553)