168 / WHAT ONE SAYS WHEN STOPPING AT A PLACE OR SEEING A VILLAGE OR TOWN ONE INTENDS TO ENTER

The preceding discussion concerned the remembrances that it is recommended for a Muslim to say when mounting a riding animal and when traveling. These are blessed remembrances whose beneficial effects help set the rider’s and traveler’s affairs aright and secure his safety and protection from dangers and evils.

When a Muslim stops at a place, it is also recommended that he say: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.” If he says this, he will, by Allah’s permission, be protected and safeguarded, and nothing will harm him until he departs from the place where he stopped.

In Sahīh Muslim, Khawla bint Hakīm—may Allah be pleased with her—reported that she heard the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—say: “Whoever stops at a place and then says, ‘I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created,’ nothing will harm him until he departs from that place.”1.

This is a magnificent supplication entailing that one seek shelter with Allah—Majestic is His Glory—take refuge in Him, and seek protection through His words. This stands in contrast to the practice of the people of the Age of Ignorance, who sought refuge in the jinn, stones, and other things that only increased them in distress, weakness, and humiliation. Allah Most High says: “Some men from among humankind used to seek refuge with some men from among the jinn, but they only increased them in distress.” 2, Thus He—Glorified and Exalted is He—censured them for seeking refuge in this manner and explained its dire consequences and painful end in this world and the Hereafter. He—Glorified is He—prescribed for His believing servants that they seek refuge in Him alone and turn to Him to the exclusion of all others, for the keys to all affairs and the forelocks of all His servants are in His hand. As for anyone besides Him,