133 / Among the Remembrances for Leaving the Home

We previously discussed the supplication of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—which he—peace and blessings be upon him—would consistently recite whenever he left his home. It appears in the hadith narrated by Abū Dāwūd, Ibn Mājah, and others, on the authority of the Mother of the Believers Umm Salama, Hind al-Makhzūmiyya, the wife of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. May Allah be pleased with her. She said: “The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—never left my house without raising his gaze toward heaven and saying: ‘O Allah, indeed I seek refuge in You from going astray or being led astray, from slipping or being made to slip, from wronging anyone or being wronged, and from acting foolishly or being treated foolishly.’”1.

Her words—may Allah be pleased with her—at the beginning of this hadith clearly indicate that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—consistently recited this supplication every time he left his home. This demonstrates the importance of a Muslim consistently reciting it whenever he leaves his home, following the example of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. In doing so lie goodness, blessing, safety, and great benefit.

Her statement—may Allah be pleased with her—“without raising his gaze toward heaven” indicates that Allah is above His creation and that the Lord whom we invoke, ask, and place our hope in is established over His Throne, distinct from His creation. Allah Most High says: “Put your trust in the Ever-Living, Who never dies, and glorify Him with praise. He is sufficiently aware of the sins of His servants—the One who created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them in six days, then established Himself over the Throne: the Most Merciful. So ask about Him one well-informed.”2.