Muslims leave their homes every day to work, fulfill responsibilities, visit relatives, meet friends, and take care of their daily affairs.
The Sunnah contains supplications that help a Muslim begin these activities by turning to Allah for guidance, protection, and success.
Among the supplications reported from Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, is:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from going astray, from causing others to go astray, from slipping into error, from causing others to slip, from wronging others, from being wronged, from acting ignorantly, or from being treated with ignorance.”
This supplication carries profound meanings. It asks Allah to protect the believer from misguidance, mistakes, injustice, and harmful conduct toward others.
What Should a Muslim Say When Leaving Home?
Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said that when a person leaves his home and says:
“In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except through Allah,”
it is said to him:
“You have been guided, you have been sufficed, and you have been protected.”
The devils then move away from him.
A Muslim may therefore say when leaving home:
“In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except through Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from going astray, from causing others to go astray, from slipping into error, from causing others to slip, from wronging others, from being wronged, from acting ignorantly, or from being treated with ignorance.”
The Virtue of the Supplication When Leaving Home
These words combine several important spiritual meanings.
The Muslim begins by remembering Allah, placing trust in Him, and asking for protection from mistakes, injustice, misguidance, and harm.
The supplication also reminds the believer that protecting others from personal wrongdoing is just as important as asking Allah for protection from harm caused by others.
It therefore provides a practical moral framework for daily interactions.
Trusting Allah When Leaving Home
The words “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except through Allah” express reliance upon Allah and recognition of human dependence upon Him.
This does not mean abandoning practical means. Rather, the believer trusts Allah while fulfilling responsibilities and taking lawful and sensible measures.
The prophetic narration indicates that the person who says this when leaving home receives the words: “You have been guided, sufficed, and protected.”
Seeking Protection From Misguidance and Error
The supplication includes:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from going astray or causing others to go astray.”
This asks Allah to protect the believer from departing from the truth and from becoming a cause of misguidance for others.
It also includes seeking protection from slipping into error or causing others to fall into error.
These words remind Muslims of their constant need for Allah’s guidance, particularly when interacting with other people.
Seeking Protection From Injustice and Ignorance
The supplication also says:
“From wronging others or being wronged, from acting ignorantly or being treated with ignorance.”
The believer asks Allah not to become a source of injustice while also seeking protection from the injustice of others.
The prayer for protection from ignorance also reflects the importance of wisdom, patience, and good conduct when dealing with people.
A Supplication That Protects Both the Muslim and Others
One of the most meaningful aspects of this supplication is that it is not limited to personal protection.
When a Muslim says “from wronging others or being wronged,” he is acknowledging responsibility for his own behavior while asking Allah to protect him from the wrongdoing of others.
In this way, the supplication becomes a daily reminder of justice, responsibility, and good character.
Why Should Muslims Say the Supplication When Leaving Home?
A person may encounter family members, neighbors, colleagues, friends, and strangers throughout the day.
Some situations require patience, wisdom, and self-control. Beginning the day with these supplications reminds the believer to act responsibly and seek Allah’s guidance in every interaction.
Remembering Allah when leaving home also strengthens the connection between worship and everyday life.
How Can Muslims Maintain This Sunnah?
Anyone who wishes to revive this Sunnah can make these supplications part of their routine whenever they leave home.
It is beneficial not only to repeat the words but also to understand their meanings and reflect them in daily conduct.
A Muslim should strive to avoid harming others, remain truthful and fair, and seek Allah’s guidance and protection throughout the day.
Conclusion
The supplication for leaving home combines trust in Allah with requests for guidance and protection from misguidance, error, injustice, and harmful conduct.
Among the established words is:
“In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except through Allah.”
The believer may also say:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from going astray, from causing others to go astray, from slipping into error, from causing others to slip, from wronging others, from being wronged, from acting ignorantly, or from being treated with ignorance.”
Maintaining these supplications helps Muslims begin their daily activities with remembrance of Allah, reliance upon Him, and a commitment to avoiding harm and wrongdoing.
What is the supplication for leaving home?
One established supplication is: “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except through Allah.”
What happens when someone says the leaving-home supplication?
The narration states that the person is told: “You have been guided, sufficed, and protected,” and Satan moves away from him.
What does “going astray or causing others to go astray” mean?
It means asking Allah to protect the believer from deviating from the truth and from becoming a cause of misguidance for others.
What does “wronging others or being wronged” mean?
It means seeking Allah’s protection from committing injustice against others and from suffering injustice at their hands.
Can a Muslim combine the different supplications for leaving home?
Yes. A Muslim may recite the established remembrance beginning with “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah...” and the supplication reported from Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her.
