As Muslims, it is essential for us to engage in the remembrance and supplication of Allah, even if it's for the smallest tasks. This is due to the barakah (divine blessings) that the remembrance of Allah brings upon us and whatever work we may be engaging in. The same is true for the marketplace.
Whenever we enter a market, we risk spending excessive money on extravagant items. However, one must not forget that extravagance is forbidden in Islam. Allah has encouraged Muslims to refrain from unnecessary spending and instead channel their wealth toward helping the poor and needy. Additionally, marketplaces entice us to become lost in the material things this world has to offer and engage in a lifestyle that does not focus on the hereafter. Recitation of the dua blesses your wealth, prevents you from spending excessively, and keeps you mindful of the transient nature of material things.
The dua to recite when one enters a market was recommended by the Prophet (ﷺ) and has been regarded as an authentic Hadith by multiple sources. It has also been stated in the Hadith that whoever reads the above dua when entering a market, Allah will write rewards worth 10 lacs for him, forgive 10 lac sins, raise his status by ten lacs, and allocate a house in paradise for him. - [Hisnul 209] [At-Tirmizi 5/291, Al-Hakim 1/538.]
Travel Duas
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, yuhyee wa yumeetu, wa Huwa hayyun laa yamootu, biyadihil-khayru, wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.
None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His Hand is all good, and He is Able to do all things.
The dua is to be recited as soon as when enters the marketplace or during the time one is shopping for goods and services. The dua has several benefits. For instance, Abu Huraira has reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques, and the parts most hateful to Allah are its markets" – [Sahih Muslim 671]
Marketplaces are where deception, greed, extravagance, and lies are highly common. The remembrance of Allah upon entering and staying at such a place can help bring protection from the evil present in the markets, along with helping one gain barakah in what they spend and purchase. Therefore, when you step foot inside a marketplace, mall, or shop to purchase an item or service, recite the dua mentioned above immediately. In case of forgetfulness, you can recite it as soon as you remember to do so.
Yes, the dua has been recommended by the Prophet (ﷺ) and is, therefore, authentic.
A dua to recite for an increase in one's wealth and risk is as follows:
"Allahumma-ighfir li, warhamni, wa-hdini, wa' afini, warzuqni" / "O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm and provide me with sustenance and salvation."
[Riyad as-Salihin 1469]