What dua do I say when I move into a new home?
It depends on what you're looking for: there's no single authentic "new home dua," but there are sunnah words that fit perfectly. When you arrive at a new place, say "A'udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq." Say "Bismillah" every time you enter, and recite Surah al-Baqarah in the home. A housewarming meal with neighbors and friends is a lovely extra.
The dua for arriving somewhere new
The Prophet ﷺ taught a short protection dua for when you settle in a new place. He said that whoever lands at a place and says "I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah from the evil of what He has created," nothing will harm him until he leaves that place (Sahih Muslim 2708).
- Transliteration: "A'udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq."
- When: on your first night, and anytime you stop somewhere new, like a hotel or a holiday rental.
You can also make your own dua in any language: ask Allah to make the home blessed, peaceful, safe, and full of good people and good deeds.
This was taught to Prophet Nuh (Noah) for his journey. It isn't a specific "new house" dua, but its meaning fits beautifully, and many Muslims say it when moving.
Say Bismillah when you enter
The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person enters his house and mentions the name of Allah when entering and while eating, Satan says: "You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal" (Sahih Muslim 2018). So make "Bismillah" a habit every time you open your front door, and greet whoever is inside with "Assalamu alaikum."
You may see a longer "dua for entering the house" in some books. The narration it comes from (Sunan Abi Dawud 5096) is considered weak by some scholars, so a simple Bismillah and salam is enough.
Recite Surah al-Baqarah
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not make your houses as graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Baqara is recited" (Sahih Muslim 780). It's a long surah, so don't stress. You can read it over a few days, split it with your family, or start with Ayat al-Kursi and the last two verses. Praying some voluntary prayers at home is also part of not making it "a graveyard."
Practical ways to bless a new home
- Housewarming: invite neighbors, friends or the local mosque community for food. Feeding people is a well-known good deed.
- Set up a prayer corner: find the qibla and lay down a prayer mat on day one.
- Meet your neighbors: Islam puts a lot of weight on being a good neighbor, Muslim or not.
- Financing: if you're buying, check how it's financed. See Can I have a mortgage as a Muslim?
Inviting an imam to "bless" the house isn't required. It's fine if people read Quran together, but there's no special ritual you must do. For daily coming and going, see What dua do I say when leaving the house?
- There's no one authentic "new home dua," but sunnah words fit well.
- Say "A'udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq."
- Say Bismillah and salam whenever you enter.
- Recite Surah al-Baqarah at home, little by little.
People also ask
Should I wipe my face after making dua?
It depends on the scholars you follow, but it isn't required. The face-wiping reports are weak, so some allow it and others leave it.
Read the full answer →Do I have to raise my hands when making dua?
No, raising your hands isn't required. It's a Sunnah the Prophet often did, but a dua without raised hands is still complete.
Read the full answer →What does "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" mean?
Yes, it means "There is no might and no power except with Allah." The Prophet called it a treasure of Paradise; say it when overwhelmed.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when leaving the house?
Yes, say "Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah." Whoever says it is guided and protected.
Read the full answer →What do I say if I forget to say bismillah before eating?
Yes, say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi" as soon as you remember. Forgetting isn't a sin, and you can still finish your meal.
Read the full answer →