SUPPLICATIONS FOR GETTING IN A VEHICLE AND TRAVELING
When the Quran speaks of ships and mounts, it calls on people to remember the favor of God who granted them these means of travel; today the same verses can be recited when getting into a car, bus, train, or plane. Since a journey begins at the front door, this page is completed with a supplication for leaving the house and a travel supplication reported from the Prophet. None of these are a guarantee that replaces safe driving — they are expressions of setting out while remembering God and being grateful for a favor.
Duas and Verses
Supplication for Getting into a Vehicle
سُبْحَٰنَ ٱلَّذِى سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُۥ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ
Glory be to the One who placed this at our service, for we could never have done so ourselves. And indeed, to our Lord we will surely return.
According to a report, the Prophet would say "Bismillah," say the takbir three times, and then recite these verses when mounting his ride before a journey (narrated by Ibn Umar). It can be recalled when getting into a car, bus, train, plane, or any other vehicle — the verse's context is not limited to a specific modern means of transport.
The Travel Supplication
O God, we ask You for righteousness, God-consciousness, and deeds that please You on this journey of ours. O God, make this journey of ours easy for us and fold up its distance for us. O God, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family left behind.
It is reported that the Prophet would seek refuge in God for righteousness, God-consciousness, ease, and the family left behind when setting out on a journey; it can be recited when beginning a trip out of town or a long journey.
Supplication for Leaving the House
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
In the name of God, I place my trust in God; there is no power and no strength except with God.
A journey begins at the front door; this supplication can be recited on the way out. Trust in God here does not mean abandoning precaution — following traffic rules, wearing a seatbelt, and being mindful of speed and fatigue are the actual responsibilities of the journey; the supplication does not replace that responsibility, it complements it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which surah is recited when getting into a car?
There is no obligation to recite an entire surah. Verses 13 and 14 of Surah Az-Zukhruf, which relate directly to the favor of transportation and travel, can be recited.
Can I recite the travel supplication in my own language?
One can try to learn the reported Arabic text; alongside that, there is no harm in praying in one's own language for a safe and blessed journey.
Does reciting a supplication guarantee protection from accidents?
Supplication is an act of turning to God; it cannot be framed as a guarantee that "no accident will ever happen." All safety precautions must still be taken alongside supplication.
Is the same supplication recited when boarding a plane?
Yes. The verse's message is not limited to a specific modern means of transport.
Sources
- Tanzil Project — Uthmani Mushaf
- QuranEnc — English Translation
- Sahih Muslim
- Sunan Abi Dawud 5095; Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3426