Rabbi adkhilnee mudkhala sidqinw wa akhrijnee mukhraja sidqinw waj’al lee milladunka sultaanan naseeraa
“My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.”
Surah Isra Ayat 80
“My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.”
— Surah Al-Isra (17:80)
A Du’a of Hope and Resilience
This profound supplication, made by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), carries a deep context rooted in one of the most challenging periods of his prophetic mission. It was not just a plea for protection but also a reflection of unwavering trust in Allah amidst adversity.
The Backdrop of Persecution
During his time in Mecca, the Prophet (ﷺ) faced relentless opposition. The Quraysh, the ruling tribe of Mecca, used every means at their disposal to undermine his mission—ridicule, social ostracism, physical abuse, and economic boycotts. These acts of aggression were not just aimed at him but extended to his followers, many of whom were from marginalized communities.
Despite the hardships, the message of Islam continued to spread. As the opposition grew fiercer, the Prophet (ﷺ) realized that Mecca was no longer a safe place to continue his mission. It was at this turning point that he began to explore alternative places where he and his followers could practice their faith freely.
A Glimmer of Hope: Medina
To find such a sanctuary, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sent Mus’ab ibn Umayr to Yathrib (later known as Medina). Mus’ab’s task was to assess the sociopolitical environment and gauge the willingness of the people to embrace Islam. After nearly a year, Mus’ab returned with good news: the people of Yathrib were receptive to the message of Islam and willing to support the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions.
This led to the second pledge at Al-Aqabah, where 73 men and 2 women from Medina pledged their allegiance to the Prophet (ﷺ). Their pledge included commitments to:
- Obeying the Prophet (ﷺ) in all circumstances, whether during ease or hardship.
- Supporting the cause of good and forbidding evil.
- Protecting the Prophet (ﷺ) as they would their own families.
This pledge was a monumental step, as it laid the foundation for the migration to Medina and the establishment of the first Islamic state.
The Challenges of Migration
Today, migration often involves little more than formalities and travel arrangements. In the Prophet’s time, however, it was a perilous undertaking, especially for someone in his position. The Quraysh viewed the pledge at Al-Aqabah as a direct threat to their authority.
When news of the Prophet’s plans reached the Quraysh, they intensified their efforts to prevent his migration. They chased caravans, imprisoned companions like Hisham ibn Al-‘As, and stripped others, like Ayyash ibn Abi Rabi’ah, of their rights. Some were forced to renounce Islam under extreme duress.
In a poignant hadith narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah (1244), Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) frequently supplicated for these oppressed companions:
“O Allah, save Al-Walid bin Walid, Salamah bin Hisham, and Ayyash bin Abi Rabi’ah, and the oppressed in Mecca. O Allah, tighten Your grip on Mudar, and send them years of famine like the famine of Yusuf.”
The situation escalated when Jibreel (AS) informed the Prophet (ﷺ) that the Quraysh leaders were conspiring to assassinate him. Allah revealed:
“And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Mecca]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:30)
The Du’a Before the Journey
As the Prophet (ﷺ) prepared for this historic migration, he turned to Allah with this heartfelt du’a.
“Cause me to enter a sound entrance…”
Here, the Prophet (ﷺ) sought Allah’s help for a dignified and noble arrival in Medina. He prayed for an entrance marked by acceptance, honor, and respect—a transition that would allow him to establish the foundations of the Islamic state in peace.
“…and to exit a sound exit…”
Despite the pain of leaving Mecca, the city of his birth, the Prophet (ﷺ) asked Allah for a graceful departure. Mecca was deeply personal to him. It held memories of his childhood, his family, and his early prophetic mission. Even though he was leaving under duress, he wanted his exit to be free from disgrace, ensuring that his departure aligned with the dignity of his mission.
“…and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) concluded the du’a by asking for divine support. He knew that his mission’s success depended entirely on Allah’s assistance. This part of the supplication reflects the essence of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and the recognition that human efforts alone are insufficient without divine intervention.
Lessons for Today
This du’a offers timeless lessons for Muslims:
- Seek Allah’s Guidance in Transitions: Whether starting a new journey or facing a major life change, this supplication reminds us to rely on Allah for both entry and exit.
- Dignity in Hardship: Even in the face of persecution and forced migration, the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated grace and patience.
- The Importance of Trusting Allah’s Plan: The Quraysh plotted, but Allah’s plan was superior—a reminder that Allah is the best of planners.
In our modern world, where movement and freedom are often taken for granted, this du’a invites reflection on the sacrifices made by the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions. It teaches us to approach life’s challenges with faith, dignity, and reliance on Allah.
