Dua for entering the home
Say bismillah as you step in, then give salam. The Prophet, upon him be peace, tied both to whether Shaytan shares the household's lodging and food.
The shortest form is bismillah, said aloud as you enter, followed by salam to whoever is inside. Sahih Muslim 2018 reports that when a person mentions Allah on entering and at the meal, Shaytan says there is no lodging and no food for us here.
A fuller supplication is reported in Sunan Abi Dawud 5096, asking for good on the way in and good on the way out. If the house is empty, the reported practice is still to greet: peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
Sourced supplications
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَبِسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا
Bismi‑llāhi walajnā, wa bismi‑llāhi kharajnā, wa ‘alā‑llāhi rabbinā tawakkalnā.
In the name of Allah we enter, in the name of Allah we leave, and upon Allah our Lord we place our trust.
Sunan Abi Dawud 5096. Say it, then give salam to your family.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ الْمَوْلِجِ وَخَيْرَ الْمَخْرَجِ
Allāhumma innī as'aluka khayra‑l-mawliji wa khayra‑l-makhraj.
O Allah, I ask You for the best of entrances and the best of exits.
Sunan Abi Dawud 5096. The opening line of the same supplication.
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
As-salāmu ‘alaynā wa ‘alā ‘ibādi‑llāhi‑ṣ-ṣāliḥīn.
Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
The practice of Ibn 'Umar, for entering a house with nobody in it. Qur'an 24:61 directs greeting on entering homes.
Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.
Frequently asked
What is the dua for entering the house?
Bismillahi walajna, wa bismillahi kharajna, wa 'ala-llahi rabbina tawakkalna: in the name of Allah we enter, in the name of Allah we leave, and upon Allah our Lord we rely. Sunan Abi Dawud 5096. Then give salam.
What do I say if nobody is home?
Give salam on yourself and the righteous: as-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadi-llahi-s-salihin. This is reported from Ibn 'Umar and follows the instruction in Qur'an 24:61 to greet on entering homes.
Which foot do you enter the house with?
The right, following the general sunnah of favouring the right in noble acts. It is a recommended manner, not a condition for the dua.
Why is this dua tied to Shaytan?
Sahih Muslim 2018 reports that if a person mentions Allah when entering and when eating, Shaytan tells his followers there is no lodging and no dinner here. If Allah is not mentioned, he says they have found both.
What is the dua for leaving the house?
Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala-llah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa bi-llah. Sunan Abi Dawud 5095, where the one who says it is told he is guided, protected and sufficed.
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