Dua for Leaving the House
Quick Answer
The main dua for leaving the house is: 'Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'ala'llah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no power and no strength except with Allah). Whoever says it is told: 'You are sufficed, you are protected, you are guided', and Satan withdraws from him (Tirmidhi). On entering the home it is also a sunnah to say the basmalah and give the greeting of peace.
Why This Dua Matters
Leaving the house means stepping into an outside world you cannot control. In Islam this is one of the moments where seeking refuge in Allah is especially encouraged. The Prophet (peace be upon him) supplicated every time he left his home and taught this sunnah to his Companions.
This dua has three central benefits:
- Trust in Allah (tawakkul) is put into words
- Protection from the influence of Satan is sought
- Sufficiency (kifayah) — being provided for by Allah — is affirmed
The Main Dua
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
Transliteration
Bismillāhi, tawakkaltu ʿala'llāh, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh.
Meaning
"In the name of Allah (I go out). I place my trust in Allah. There is no power and no strength except by the help of Allah."
The Hadith (Its Virtue)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"When a person leaves his house and says 'Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'ala'llah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah', it is said to him: 'You are sufficed, you are protected, you are guided.' And Satan withdraws from him."
— Tirmidhi, Da'awat, 34; Abu Dawud, Adab, 102
This hadith highlights three outcomes of the dua:
- Kufita — you are sufficed (your needs are met)
- Wuqiya — you are protected (from harm)
- Hudiya — you are guided (to the right path)
A Longer Alternative Supplication
A more comprehensive supplication has also been transmitted:
Transliteration:
Allāhumma innī aʿūḏu bika an aḍilla aw uḍalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw aẓlima aw uẓlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala ʿalayya.
Meaning:
"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or being made to slip, from wronging others or being wronged, from behaving ignorantly or having others behave ignorantly towards me."
— Abu Dawud, Adab, 102
The Dua for Entering the House
On returning home it is a sunnah to:
- say the basmalah as you enter
- greet the household with salam
It is narrated that when a person mentions Allah's name on entering the house and when eating, Satan finds no place to stay there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to say it in Arabic?
The transmitted wording is recited in Arabic as it was narrated. Understanding the meaning in your own language is valuable, and you may of course add your own supplication in your own words.
What if I forget and remember once outside?
Say it when you remember. It is a voluntary act of remembrance, not an obligation tied to the doorway.
Daily Dua Reminders in the Nurlu App
The Nurlu app can remind you of the daily supplications, with:
- the original Arabic text
- transliteration and meaning
- audio recitation
all free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dua do you say when leaving the house?
The transmitted dua is: 'Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'ala'llah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' — 'In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no power and no strength except with Allah.'
What is the reward for this dua?
The Prophet said that whoever says it on leaving home is told: 'You are sufficed, you are protected, you are guided', and Satan withdraws from him (Tirmidhi, Da'awat, 34).
Is there a dua for entering the house?
Yes. It is a sunnah to say the basmalah on entering and to greet the household with salam. Mentioning Allah's name when entering and when eating is reported to keep Satan from finding a place to stay in that home.
Does the dua have to be said out loud?
It may be said quietly. What matters is that it is said with awareness of its meaning; saying it silently to oneself while stepping out is sufficient.
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