How to Stay Protected from Satan During Travel

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafidhahullah)

Question:​

How can I protect myself from Satan during travel?

Answer:​

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (RA) that he said:

"Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would travel and night would fall, he would say:

‘O Earth, my Lord and your Lord is Allah. I seek refuge in Allah from your evil, the evil within you, and the evil of what has been created within you, and from the evil of what moves upon you. I seek refuge in Allah from lions, black serpents, snakes, scorpions, and from the evil of the inhabitants of this place, and from the evil of the father (Iblis) and what he has begotten.’"
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No. 2603 | Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 132)
Authenticity:

• Shaykh Ahmad Shakir has authenticated this narration.
• Al-Hakim and Imam Dhahabi classified it as authentic (Sahih).
• Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith No. 2572.

Explanation of Key Terms:​

• "Saakin al-Balad": Imam Khattabi explains that this refers to the jinn who inhabit the earth, especially in desolate or abandoned areas, regardless of whether they have physical structures or not.
• "Walid" and "Wama Walad": Some scholars interpret "Walid" as referring to Iblis (Satan) and "Wama Walad" to the devils (shayaateen) he has begotten.
• "Asad" and "Aswad": The "Aswad" mentioned here could refer to dangerous individuals or any entity with this name that poses a threat.

How to Stay Protected During Travel:​

① Recite the Du’a Mentioned Above:

• Seek refuge from the hidden dangers of the earth, including jinn and devils.
• Protection from wild animals, venomous creatures, and any harm from the inhabitants of the place you are traveling to.

② Recite Other Protective Du’as and Dhikr:

• "A‘udhu Billahi Minash-Shaytanir-Rajim"
• Ayat al-Kursi before beginning the journey.
• Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas regularly.

③ Stay Spiritually Aware:

• Remain engaged in remembrance of Allah (dhikr) to prevent distractions and spiritual harm caused by Satan.

Conclusion:​

To stay safe during travel, adopt the sunnah of reciting specific protective du’as as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Additionally, staying in a state of remembrance and seeking refuge in Allah from the dangers of the seen and unseen will ensure safety from Satan, jinn, and other worldly harms.