A Prayer for Boarding Vehicles:

A Prayer for Boarding Vehicles: A Qur’anic Call to Awareness

The Qur’an is a book that touches every moment of human life. It doesn’t limit itself to acts of worship alone; it teaches us how to be mindful even while walking, eating, or getting into a car.

In Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:13–14), we are advised to say the following when mounting a ride:

“Subḥānalladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbina la-munqalibūn.”

"Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, though we could never have accomplished it on our own. And indeed, to our Lord we will surely return." (Az-Zukhruf 43:13-14)

This invocation instills three essential states of awareness:

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1. Power Belongs to Allah, the Vehicle Is Not Ours

Today we ride in cars, planes, and high-speed trains. Yet these machines operate not solely because of human intelligence but due to the divine order and power that Allah has established. The term “sakhkhara” means “to subdue” or “to make subject.” These vehicles are not truly ours; they are trusts granted to us by Allah.

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2. Our Strength Alone Is Insufficient: Let Technology Not Lead to Arrogance

The phrase “wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn” ("we could never have accomplished it on our own") prevents us from falling into overconfidence. Even in the finest car, accidents can happen. Even in the most advanced airplane, mishaps are possible. This prayer calls us to acknowledge our frailty and remain thankful.

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3. The Journey’s End: Returning to Allah

“Wa innā ilā rabbina la-munqalibūn” reminds us that every journey has a destination. The ultimate journey, however, is life itself, and its final destination is Allah. Every time we board a vehicle, we are reminded of this: our true endpoint is with our Lord.

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Additional Verse: Allah Creates Future Modes of Transport Too

In Surah Yā Sīn (36:42), Allah says:

"And We created for them others like it on which they ride."

This means not just camels, horses, or ships, but also today’s and tomorrow’s means of transport. Planes, spaceships, and even technologies yet undiscovered all exist within His knowledge and power.