In Islam, Dua is a powerful way to communicate with Allah, asking for guidance, blessings, and protection in every aspect of life.
One of the most important times to make Dua is when leaving your home. It’s considered a Sunnah — a practice recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — to seek Allah’s protection before stepping out into the world.
This article explores the benefits of reciting a Dua for going out of home and provides specific prayers you can use to seek Allah’s blessings and safety on your journey.
The first dua when leaving home: Tawakkul and seeking Allah’s protection
One of the most beautiful and protective duas to recite when leaving your home is one that embodies tawakkul, or complete trust in Allah. Here’s how to say it:
Arabic text:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ، لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ
Transliteration:
Bismillahi, tawakkaltu ‘alallahi, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
Meaning:
“In the name of Allah, I rely on Allah; There is no might and no power except from Allah.”
Understanding the power and benefits
Reciting this dua offers you protection from Shaytan, or Satan. There’s a hadith that says the devils will go far away from the person who says this dua.
The dua embodies tawakkul, which is putting your complete trust in Allah. The Quran says, “…And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him” (Surah At-Talaq 65:3).
Relying on Allah in this way brings peace of mind and reduces anxiety about dangers outside the home.
The second powerful dua when leaving home: seeking comprehensive protection
This dua is a request for comprehensive protection in all aspects of life, asking for safety from straying from the right path, from committing injustices, and from being treated with ignorance.
Arabic text, transliteration, and meaning
- Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَضِلَّ، أَوْ أُضَلَّ، أَوْ أَزِلَّ، أَوْ أُزَلَّ، أَوْ أَظْلِمَ، أَوْ أُظْلَمَ، أَوْ أَجْهَلَ، أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيَّ
- Transliteration: Allahumma inni a’udhu bika an adilla, aw udalla, aw azilla, aw uzalla, aw azlima, aw uzlama, aw ajhala, aw yujhala alayya.
- Meaning: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I stray or be led astray, lest I slip or be made to slip, lest I oppress or be oppressed, lest I behave foolishly or be treated foolishly.”
Why is this dua important?
Here’s why each phrase of this prayer is significant:
- Protection from misguidance (Adilla/Udalla): This is a request to avoid going astray or being misled by others.
- Safety from slipping into sin or danger (Azilla/Uzalla): You’re asking for protection from stumbling or being caused to stumble.
- Protection from oppression and injustice (Azlima/Uzlama): This phrase highlights the importance of avoiding oppression and seeking protection from being oppressed. Remember the hadith, “Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2447)
- Protection from ignorance and foolishness (Ajhala/Yujhala Alayya): Here, you’re asking for refuge from acting ignorantly or being subjected to ignorance from others. As the Quran says, “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:63)
Combining Duas and Other Good Practices
You can recite both Duas together for even more comprehensive protection. One Dua calls upon Allah, and the other asks for refuge from specific harms.
Remember to say “Bismillah” (“In the name of Allah”) before you step out the door. It’s also a good idea to give to charity or set an intention to do something good that day.
Most importantly, say these Duas with sincerity. Think about what the words mean as you say them. It’s not just about reciting something by rote; it’s about connecting with Allah and asking for His protection with a full heart.
How to make these duas part of your life
It’s easy to incorporate these duas into your daily routine. Here are some tips:
- Make it a habit. Pause at your doorstep before leaving and get in the habit of reciting the duas.
- Teach your family. Share these duas with your loved ones, especially your children, so they can benefit from them as well.
- Reflect on the meaning. Don’t just say the words. Take a moment to understand what you’re asking for when you recite these duas. Think about what the words mean.
- Consistency is key. The more consistently you recite these duas, the stronger your connection with Allah will become.
In Conclusion
When you leave your home, remember the importance of reciting the duas as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). By making these supplications, you ask for protection from harm, strengthen your reliance on Allah, and welcome peace of mind.
Make these practices a part of your daily life, asking for Allah’s blessings and protection in all that you do.