Duas for Entering and Leaving the Home

The Prophet ﷺ taught a dua for leaving the home and etiquette for entering it. This guide gives the wording, the meaning, the source of each report and the grading, including a commonly quoted dua for entering that is graded weak.

Quick answer

When leaving: "Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'alallahi, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan). When entering, mention Allah's name and give salam. The Prophet ﷺ said that if a man mentions Allah when entering and when eating, Shaytan says to his companions, "You have no lodging and no dinner here" (Sahih Muslim).

Leaving the house

"Bismillahi, tawakkaltu 'alallahi, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" ("In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might or power except with Allah"). Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: whoever says this when leaving his house, it will be said to him, "You are guided, defended and sufficed," and Shaytan will keep away from him. Recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, which graded it hasan.

Entering the house

Mention Allah's name

Jabir ibn Abdullah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: when a man enters his house and mentions Allah when entering and when eating, Shaytan says, "You have no place to stay and no dinner." If he enters and does not mention Allah, Shaytan says, "You have found a place to stay," and if he does not mention Allah when eating, he says, "You have found a place to stay and dinner." This is in Sahih Muslim.

A commonly quoted dua, and its grading

"Bismillahi walajna, wa bismillahi kharajna, wa 'ala Rabbina tawakkalna." It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud, and a number of scholars, including al-Albani, graded this report weak. Saying "Bismillah" is well established, but this longer wording is not strongly authenticated.

Give salam

"But when you enter houses, give greetings of peace upon each other, a greeting from Allah, blessed and good" (Quran 24:61). Say "Assalamu 'alaykum," even if the house is empty, saying it to yourself and the angels. Scholars discuss this latter point, so it is a recommended practice rather than a ruling.

What else brings blessing to a home

Reciting Al-Baqarah. The Prophet ﷺ said not to make your homes graveyards, for Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited (Sahih Muslim).
Voluntary prayers at home. The best prayer of a person is in his home, except the obligatory prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Ayatul Kursi before sleeping. See our Ayatul Kursi page.
Dhikr and Quran. A house in which Allah is remembered is like the living compared to the dead (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Good conduct with the family. The Prophet ﷺ said the best of you are those who are best to their families (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded sahih).

Etiquette when entering a house

Seek permission before entering another person's house: "Ask permission three times, and if it is not granted, go back" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim; Quran 24:27).
Greet with salam.
Remove shoes where it is the custom and for cleanliness.
Keep the entrance clean and welcome guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dua for leaving the house?

"Bismillahi, tawakkaltu 'alallahi, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah," recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi.

Is there a dua for entering the house?

The authentic guidance is to say "Bismillah" and mention Allah's name (Sahih Muslim). The longer "Bismillahi walajna" is weakly authenticated.

Should I say salam when entering an empty house?

It is recommended according to many scholars, based on Quran 24:61.

Which foot do I enter with?

We have not found a specific authentic report assigning a foot for entering a private home. Starting with the right foot is generally recommended for entering a mosque.

Does the dua protect the house?

The reports describe Shaytan being kept away and the believer being guarded. It is with Allah's permission, and it complements the other precautions.