How to Choose an Auspicious Day for Moving House

Moving house means a new neighbourhood, new neighbours and often a new rhythm of life. That is why many families ask, before a single box is packed, "which day would be a blessed day to move?" Islamic tradition and the science of the star chart answer this question from several angles.

Thursday: The Day Favoured in the Sunnah

According to a narration from Ka'b ibn Malik in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet set out for the expedition of Tabuk on a Thursday and liked to begin journeys on Thursdays. Because of this narration, Thursday is the day most preferred in the tradition for "changing place", such as travelling and moving house. The fact that Thursday's planet in classical timing science, Jupiter, is associated with abundance supports this choice as well.

Early Morning Hours

The prayer narrated by Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud, "O Allah, bless my community in its early mornings", encourages starting tasks in the first hours of the day. Starting your move early in the morning carries this intention of blessing and, in practical terms, leaves the rest of the day for settling into your new home.

Planets and Movement

In the star chart tradition, movement and travel are associated above all with the Moon (Qamar); this is why Monday, the Moon's day, is also mentioned for journeys. In addition, the first half of the lunar month, when the moon is waxing, is considered better suited to new beginnings.

Duas to Recite When Entering a New Home

When settling into a new place, two supplications stand out in the tradition:

• Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:29: "Rabbi anzilni munzalan mubarakan wa anta khayrul-munzilin." Meaning: "My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, for You are the best to accommodate us."
• The dua in Sahih Muslim: The Prophet stated that whoever stops at a place and says "A'udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq" (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created) will not be harmed by anything until he leaves that place.

Moving Day Checklist

• If possible, choose a Thursday or a Monday.
• Start the move early in the morning.
• Prefer the first half of the lunar month.
• Enter the new home with the basmala and recite the duas above.
• Check the day that suits you personally based on your family members' names; the general rule does not give the same result for every household.

The timing information in this article is based on traditional sources; whether a move is blessed depends on intention, prayer and effort.