Question:
Assalamualaikum wrm.wbt.,
Is there a specific supplication for a person who is returning home from his travels?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrm. wbt.,
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Travel is a natural thing that humans do when they have the time. Most people spend their time with their beloved family by travelling or visiting other beautiful places. However, Islam never leaves its followers and always teaches them the manners or guidelines that they should be mindful of before doing something and this includes travel.
According to the above question, we would usually hear supplications taught or recited before starting on a journey. However, most of us forget or overlooked the supplication taught to us by the Prophet PBUH to be recited when returning from our travels.
The supplication is mentioned in a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik RA and the hadith is recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih:
I and Abu Talha (both) came back along with Allah's Apostle (ﷺ). Safiyyah (the wife of the Holy Prophet) rode behind him on his camel and as we came to the out- skirts of Medina he said:
آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ
“(We are those) who return, who repent, who worship our Lord, who praise (Him),”
And he went on uttering this until we entered Medina.
Sahih Muslim (1345) [This hadith is also narrated by Imam al-Bukhari in the chapter supplication when a person is starting or returning from travel]
Furthermore, this supplication this also recorded by Imam al-Nawawi in his famous book al-Azkar in the chapter what should be recited when returning from travel and in the book al-Minhaj Syarah for Sahih Muslim in the chapter what should be recited when returning from hajj or others.
According to Syiekh Muhyiddin al-Mistu, it is Sunnah to recite or increase the recitation of this supplication when we are returning home. The reason is the supplication describe the blessing of the safety we are blessed with by Allah SWT, our determination to repent (from the transgressions we have committed) and obey Him as well as our gratitude with the blessings He has showered us with. (See Lawami’ al-Anwar, 29/2)
Conclusion
To conclude, supplication is the weapon and strength for the believers. Hence, there are numerous supplications taught to us by the Prophet PBUH so that we can recite them in our daily lives. Moreover, supplication is also an easy worship to be performed unlike any other worships. Lastly, may Allah SWT give us the strength and understanding in religion. Amin.
Wallahua’lam.