A Forgotten Sunnah: The Two Rak’ah That Protect You Inside and Outside Your Home

How a Simple Act of Worship Can Bring Protection, Barakah, and Peace to Your Daily Life

The Power of Two Rak’ah: Protection When Leaving and Entering Your Home

Our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) provided us with countless ways to seek Allah’s protection in our daily lives, shielding us from harm both physically and spiritually. One such powerful, yet often forgotten sunnah, is the act of praying two rak’ah before leaving home and upon returning.

In today’s world, where Muslims face countless challenges both outside and within their homes, reviving this practice is more important than ever. From the dangers and temptations of the outside world to the trials and difficulties that can arise within our own households, we are constantly in need of Allah’s safeguarding and guidance. This simple yet profound act is a means of ensuring that we step out with Allah’s protection and return with His blessings.

Sadly, many of us have let this sunnah slip away from our daily routines, unaware of the immense spiritual and practical benefits it holds. But imagine the peace of mind in knowing that before stepping into the world, or back into your home, you have sought Allah’s refuge and mercy. This is a practice that deserves to be revived, ingrained into our daily habits, and shared with others.

Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whenever you intend to leave your house you should pray two rak’ah right before you leave. These rak’ah will protect you from harm while outside. And when you come back home you should pray another two rak’ah. They will safeguard you from harm (while you are) in your house.”

Al-Albani (رحمه الله) said in his Silsilah Saheehah 3/315 (1323):

This isnad (support-the chain of narrators who transmitted a hadith) of this hadeeth is acceptable and the narrators are trustworthy men used by Bukhari.

This simple act of worship not only offers spiritual protection but also invites blessings into our daily lives. However, an important question arises—is this practice meant exclusively for travelers, or should residents observe it as well? And if so, should it be done consistently?

Shaykh Al-Albani (رحمه الله) was asked to clarify this matter. A questioner referenced the hadith, stating:

“I read in As-Saheehah a page where there is a hadith from the Prophet ﷺ where he said, ‘When you leave your house, pray two rak’ahs—they will prevent you from an evil exit. And when you enter your home, pray two rak’ahs—they will prevent you from an evil entrance,” is that when one travels or when resident? And is it to be done constantly?”

Al-Allamah Muhammad Abdur-Rau’f Al-Manaawee (رحمه الله) said in Faydul Qadeer:

If a person intends to leave his home it is recommended that he prays two rak’ah which are considered sunnah. These rak’ah should be short (i.e recite a small Surah after Fatihah…) These can also be attained by offering obligatory or nafil prayers. The Prophet sallalahu`alayhi wa sallam justified this ruling by mentioning the wisdom behind that by saying they protect you from whatever evil exists outside the house. Similary when you enter the house offer two rak`ah prayers. This should be done as soon as one intends to leave the house or as soon as he enters the house as indicated by the latter “Faa” in the word “Fa salli”

[Translated by: Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight]

A Small Act With Great Rewards

Islam teaches us that even the simplest acts of worship can bring immense benefits, and this hadith is a perfect example of that. Two rak’ah before stepping out, two rak’ah upon returning—it takes only a few minutes, yet it serves as a shield, a blessing, and a means of strengthening our connection with Allah.

Incorporating this practice into our daily lives doesn’t require much effort, but it does require mindfulness. It’s about making a conscious choice to seek Allah’s protection before stepping into the unknown and His blessings upon returning to our safe space.

If we truly reflect on it, our homes are more than just physical spaces—they are places where faith is nurtured, where our families find comfort, and where we seek refuge from the chaos of the world. What better way to preserve that peace than by beginning and ending each journey with an act of worship?

May Allah grant us the ability to act upon this Sunnah and find protection and barakah in our homes and our travels. Ameen. 🤍