Dhikr for ascending and descending on a journey

On a journey, “Allahu akbar” is said when climbing a hill, mountain, or high place, and “Subhanallah” is said when descending into a valley or low place.

It is reported from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Companions would say the takbir when climbing uphill on a journey and the tasbih when descending.

This dua is based on the Quran and hadith sources below.

• HadithSahih al-Bukhari, 2993

  It is reported from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him): “We would say the takbir when climbing to a high place and the tasbih when descending.”

• HadithSunan Abi Dawud, 2599

  The same practice is also narrated in Sunan Abi Dawud; it is Sunnah to say the takbir when climbing and the tasbih when descending during a journey.

Other duas connected to this topic.

• Dua for travel

  Glory be to Allah who has subjected this to us, for we could not have done it ourselves. Indeed, we will return to our Lord.

• Dua when returning from a journey

  We return, repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.

• Dua when seeing a traveller off

  I entrust to Allah your faith, your trust, and the final outcome of your deeds.

Common questions about this dua.

• What is said when going uphill and downhill on a journey?

  “Allahu akbar” is said when climbing a slope, hill, or high place, and “Subhanallah” is said when descending a slope, valley, or low place.

• Dhikr for ascending and descending on a journey: what is the Arabic, transliteration, and meaning?

  When climbing, “اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ” (Allahu akbar: Allah is the greatest) is said, and when descending, “سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ” (Subhanallah: Allah is glorified) is said. This is an authentic (sahih) Sunnah narrated from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him).