Duas (supplications) hold immense significance in Islam as they serve as a direct connection between a believer and Allah. Islam teaches us to seek blessings and protection in all aspects of life, including when entering or leaving our homes.
One of the most beneficial duas to recite upon entering the home is:
Arabic Text:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Transliteration:
Bismillah walajna wa bismillah kharajna wa ala rabbina tawakkalna.
English Translation:
“In the name of Allah, we enter, and in the name of Allah, we leave, and upon our Lord, we place our trust.”
This powerful supplication brings divine protection, ensures blessings upon the household, and strengthens our reliance on Allah.
References for the Dua
1. Hadith Sources
- Sunan Abi Dawud (5096):
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“When a man enters his home and mentions Allah’s name upon entering and eating, Satan says (to his companions): ‘You will find no place to stay and no food here.’ But if he enters without mentioning Allah’s name, Satan says: ‘You have found a place to stay.’ And if he does not mention Allah’s name while eating, Satan says: ‘You have found a place to stay and food.’”- Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani.
- Musnad Ahmad (18006):
A similar narration emphasizes the dua’s role in seeking protection from evil.
2. Quranic Connection
- Surah An-Nur (24:36):
“In houses [mosques] which Allah has ordered to be raised and in which His name is mentioned. Therein exalt Him morning and afternoon.”- While this verse refers to mosques, scholars like Ibn Kathir highlight that mentioning Allah’s name in all places, including homes, invites blessings.
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285):
“We hear and we obey. We seek Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”- Reflects the theme of tawakkul (trust in Allah) echoed in the dua.
3. Scholarly Explanations
Imam Nawawi (in Riyad as-Salihin):
Recommends teaching this dua to children to instill reliance on Allah from a young age.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (in Zad al-Ma’ad):
Emphasizes that invoking Allah’s name when entering or leaving a home repels Satan and safeguards the household.
The Dua: Text and Meaning
To fully appreciate the significance of this dua, let’s break it down phrase by phrase:
- Bismillah walajna – By entering in Allah’s name, we invite His blessings and protection into our home.
- Wa bismillah kharajna – Leaving with Allah’s name ensures our departure is guided and safe.
- Wa ala rabbina tawakkalna – Expresses complete trust in Allah, reinforcing our faith and dependence on Him.
Significance of the Dua
Spiritual Benefits:
- Invokes Allah’s blessings upon the home.
- Strengthens the habit of relying on Allah (Tawakkul).
- Shields the home from negative influences, including Shaytan (Satan).
Practical Benefits:
- Encourages mindfulness and gratitude.
- Helps create a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment.
- Instills an Islamic routine within the household.
Hadith Reference:
This dua is rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). According to Abu Dawood, the Prophet (ﷺ) stated:
“When a person enters his home and mentions Allah’s name upon entering and eating, Satan says, ‘There is no place for you to stay tonight.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood 5096)
When and How to Recite the Dua
Best Timing:
- Recite the dua immediately upon entering the home.
- It can also be recited when leaving the home for continued protection.
Etiquette of Recitation:
- Enter with the right foot and exit with the left foot, following the Sunnah.
- Recite aloud to remind other household members.
- Say Salam upon entering, as it spreads peace and blessings.
Related Etiquette for Entering the Home
Practicing the following Sunnah etiquettes enhances the spiritual atmosphere of a home:
- Greet with Salam: Saying “As-salamu Alaikum” spreads peace and drives away negative influences.
- Maintain a Clean Home: Cleanliness is a core Islamic principle, ensuring purity in both physical and spiritual aspects.
- Avoid Forbidden Items: Keep the home free from anything that goes against Islamic teachings, such as inappropriate images or music.
Related Duas and Verses
Additional Duas:
- Dua for Leaving the Home:بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ“In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power nor might except with Allah.”
- Dua for Protection (Ayat al-Kursi): Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) brings immense protection from evil.
Quranic Connection:
The Quran emphasizes the blessings of a spiritually enriched home:
“In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised, in them His name is glorified in the mornings and in the evenings.” (Quran 24:36)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Neglecting the dua out of haste: Try to make it a consistent habit.
- Reciting without understanding: Understanding its meaning enhances mindfulness.
- Not teaching family members: Teaching children ensures they carry this Sunnah forward.
Conclusion
Incorporating the dua for entering the home into daily life helps establish a spiritually protected and blessed household. By remembering Allah upon entering and leaving, we invite His mercy, protection, and guidance into our lives. Make it a habit to recite this dua consistently and encourage your family to do the same.
