It is well known that when one is travelling, then at times, he is forced to sacrifice his sleep and comfort in order to expedite the journey and reach his destination in time. Similarly, at times, he faces situations that are against his temperament and nature. He may be forced to sacrifice the food, drink and living standards to which he is accustomed in his hometown, in order to fulfil the purpose of his journey.

Thus, Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised that after one fulfils the purpose of his journey, he should return home. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Travelling is like a portion of Jahannum which prevents one from his food, drink and sleep (i.e. travelling presents difficulty, just as one experiences difficulty in Jahannum). Thus, when one completes his purpose and work of the journey, he should hasten back to his family.” ^[1]

In essence, the deen of Islam has provided many sunnats and aadaab which one should practise upon during the journey in order for him to acquire ease and comfort during the journey as well as be a source of mercy for others.

SUNNATS AND AADAAB OF SAFAR (TRAVELLING)

1. Before embarking on a journey (i.e. travelling to a place which is 78 km or more), one should perform two rakaats of salaah. This salaah is known as Salaatus Safar.

Hazrat Mut’im bin Miqdaam (rahimahullah) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “There is no action that a person can leave behind with his family before setting out on a journey which is more virtuous than the two rakaats (Salaatus Safar) which he performs by them.” ^[2]

It is reported that whenever Hazrat Ibnu Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) intended embarking on a journey, he would first proceed to the musjid and perform salaah. ^[3]

2. Meet your family members and friends before setting out on a journey (e.g. when travelling for umrah or hajj) and ask them to make dua for you.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When any of you intends travelling, then he should meet his Muslim brothers (i.e. family and friends and ask them to make dua for him). Indeed their dua added to his dua will be a means of him gaining goodness (during his travel).” ^[4]

3. Inform your family members of your destination and place of residence during your journey so that it will be possible for them to contact you.

^[1] صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 1804

^[2] المصنف لابن أبي شيبة، الرقم: 4914، قال الشيخ محمد عوامة في تعليقه على المصنف: هذا الحديث مرسل أو معضل وإسناده حسن … ومن شواهد حديث المطعم من حيث الجملة ما رواه الطبراني في الكبير، الرقم: 10469 عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه أن رجلا استأذن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في تجارة إلى البحرين فقال له صل ركعتين وإسناده حسن

^[3] المصنف لابن أبي شيبة، الرقم: 11915، وقال الشيخ محمد عوامة في تعليقه على المصنف: إسناد المصنف صحيح

^[4] المعجم الأوسط، الرقم: 2842 وقال البوصيري في إتحاف الخيرة، الرقم:6241 : هذا إسناد ضعيف لضعف عمرو بن الحصين