Dua when returning from a journey

Recited upon returning safely from a journey, Hajj, Umrah, or the road.

It is reported from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) returned from a journey, Hajj, or a military expedition, he would say the takbir three times as he climbed each hill, and then say these words.

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

• HadithSahih al-Bukhari, 1797

  It is reported from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would recite this dua when returning from a journey.

• HadithSahih Muslim, 1344

  The same hadith is also narrated in Sahih Muslim with an authentic (sahih) chain; the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say “Ayibuna ta'ibuna abiduna li-rabbina hamidun” upon returning.

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 seeing a traveller off

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

• Dhikr for ascending and descending on a journey

  Allah is the greatest: Allah is glorified and pure. “Allahu akbar” is said when going uphill, and “Subhanallah” is said when going downhill.

Common questions about this dua.

• When is the dua for returning from a journey recited?

  It is recited upon returning safely from the road, Hajj, Umrah, or a journey, especially when climbing to a high place.

• Dua when returning from a journey: what is the Arabic, transliteration, and meaning?

  In Arabic it is “آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ”, transliterated as “Ayibuna ta'ibuna abiduna li-rabbina hamidun”, meaning “We return, repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.”