Gardens of the Righteous — Page 182
182. GARDENS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 169. . On Supplication when Starting on a Journey. Allah, the Exalted, has said: 279. He has made for you vessels and beasts whereon you ride, that you may settle yourselves firmly on their backs and when you are securely seated thereon you may remember the favour of your Lord and say: Holy is He who has subjected this to us, while we had not the strength to subdue it by ourselves. To our Lord surely shall we return (43. 13-15). 976. Ibn Umar relates that when the Holy Prophet mounted his camel to set out on a journey he would recite: Allah is Great; three times, and would supplicate: Holy is He Who has subjected this to us while we had not the strength to subdue it ourselves. To our Lord surely shall we return. Allah, we beseech Thee for virtue and righteousness and such action during this journey as would please Thee. Allah make this journey easy for us and fold up its length for us. Allah, Thou art the Companion in this journey and the. Guardian of those we leave behind. Allah, I seek Thy protection from the hardships of the journey and that I should encounter anything grievous on my return respecting my property or my family or my children. On his return he would repeat the supplication and would add: We return in safety, turning to our Lord, worshipping Him and praising Him (Muslim). 977. Abdullah ibn Sarjis relates that when the Holy Prophet set out on a journey he supplicated seeking Allah's protection against the hardships of the journey, and the encountering of anything grievous on return, and incurring any loss after gain, and the plaint of a wronged one, and witnessing anything disagreeable concerning property or family (Muslim). 978. Ali ibn Rabi'a relates: I was with Ali ibn Abu Talib when a mount was brought to him. When he put his foot in the stirrup he said: In the name of Allah; and when he had settled himself on its back he affirmed: Holy is He. Who has subjected this to us, while we had not the strength to subdue it by ourselves. To our Lord surely shall we return (43. 14,15). Then he affirmed three times: All praise is due to Allah; and then he affirmed three times: Allah is Great; and then he affirmed: Holy art Thou. I have wronged my soul, do. Thou forgive me, for none forgives sins save Thyself; and then he laughed. He was asked: Commander of the Faithful, why did you laugh? He answered: I saw the Holy Prophet do as I have done and then he laughed; and I asked him: Messenger of Allah, why did you laugh? And he answered me: Your. Lord, Holy is He, is pleased with His servant when he says forgive me my sins knowing that there is none beside Me who can forgive sins (Abu Daud and. Tirmidhi).