Sunnats and Aadaab of Safar (Travelling) – Part 3

1. When travelling in a group, appoint one person as the ameer.

عن أبي سعيد الخدري أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إذا خرج ثلاثة في سفر فليؤمروا أحدهم (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: ٢٦١٠، وسكت عنه هو والمنذري)

Hazrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When three people come out on a journey, then they should appoint one of them as the ameer of the journey.”

2. While traveling, if the group stops at a certain place for a short while (e.g. a petrol station) and you have to go for some need or to relieve yourself, then inform your companions before you leave.

3. Do not discuss controversial topics or enter into arguments, etc. with your companions during the journey.

4. During the journey, if any unpleasant or unforeseen circumstance arises, then exercise patience. Do not lose your temper nor be rude and impolite, thereby causing pain and inconvenience to others.

5. Adopt a gentle approach when dealing with your companions and engage in light-hearted discussions while on the journey. Do not adopt a serious approach.

6. Do not undertake a journey unnecessarily. If you have a need, then undertake the journey, and upon completing your need, hasten to return home.

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: السفر قطعة من العذاب يمنع أحدكم طعامه وشرابه ونومه فإذا قضى نهمته فليعجل إلى أهله (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: ١٨٠٤)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat 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.”

7. When travelling, guard your gaze, and as far as possible, try to avoid sitting next to females. Avoid speaking to the air-hostesses or any non-mahram. Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed:

Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their chastity, that will be more pure for them: And Allah Ta‘ala is fully aware of all that they do.^[1]

عن معقل بن يسار رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم لأن يطعن في رأس أحدكم بمخيط من حديد خير له من أن يمس امرأة لا تحل له (المعجم الكبير للطبراني، الرقم: ٤٨٦)^[2]

Hazrat Ma’qil bin Yasaar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “It is better for you that your head be pierced with an iron needle than you touch a woman who is impermissible for you.”

8. Carry a lota (jug) and water for toilet and wudhu. Also carry a musalla for performing salaah.[3]

9. If you are the driver, then ensure that you drive safely. Do not be reckless in your driving.

10. Keep necessary personal information on yourself, as well as any documents that you may require on your journey (e.g. passport, ID. etc.).

11. Find out the route before embarking on the journey.[4]

12. When using the toilet or bathroom in any place, then be considerate and leave the place in a clean state. Do not leave it in a dirty condition as this will inconvenience others.[5]

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[1] سورة النور: ٣٠

[2] وقال العلامة المنذري رحمه الله في الترغيب والترهيب (الرقم: ٢٩٣٨): رواه الطبراني والبيهقي ورجال الطبراني ثقات رجال الصحيح)

[3] قالت عائشة: فجهزناهما أحث الجهاز، وصنعنا لهما سفرة في جراب (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: ٣٩٠٥)

[4] وانطلق معهما عامر بن فهيرة والدليل (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: ٣٩٠٥)

[5] عن صالح بن أبي حسان قال: سمعت سعيد بن المسيب يقول: إن الله طيب يحب الطيب نظيف يحب النظافة كريم يحب الكرم جواد يحب الجود فنظفوا أراه قال: أفنيتكم ولا تشبهوا باليهود قال: فذكرت ذلك لمهاجر بن مسمار فقال: حدثنيه عامر بن سعد بن أبي وقاص عن أبيه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم مثله إلا أنه قال: نظفوا أفنيتكم (سنن التلرمذي، الرقم: ٢٧٩٩، وقال: هذا حديث غريب وخالد بن إلياس يضعف)