SUNNATS OF TRAVELLING

SUNNATS OF TRAVELLING

1. As far as possible, there should be at least two people together when undertaking any journey. Travelling alone should be avoided. However, in extreme necessity there is no harm. (Fathul‐ Baari‐Vol‐ 6, pg. 53)

2. When one has placed one’s foot in the stirrup of one’s conveyance and is about to mount it, one should say (Bismillah). (Tirmidhi)

3. After settling down on the conveyance say: (Allah-u-Akbar) thrice and thereafter recite the following dua: Subhanalazee saqaralana haza wama kunna lahu muqrinin wainna ila rabbina lamunqaliboon - (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

Glory be to the one who has subjugated this for us whereas we were not able to subjugate it on our own. And we will certainly be returning to our Lord.

4. Thereafter recite the following dua:

Allahumma hawwin alaina safarana haza watweanna bo’daho -

Allahumma antas sahibu fis safari wal qalifatu fil aahal - Allahumma inni aouzubika mieo wa’sais safari waka’batil manzari wa sooil munqalabi fil mali wal ah’li wal wald - (Muslim, Hisne Haseen)

O Allah make this journey easy for us and shorten the length of the journey as well. O Allah, You are our companion on this journey and the Protector of our household. O Allah, I seek your protection from the hardship of travel, from witnessing a terrible sight and from finding an evil condition having befallen my family, wealth and children upon my return.

5. When the need arises to stop along the way, the Sunnat is to move to the side of the road. Do not camp in the middle of the road whereby the paths of others are blocked and they experience inconvenience thereby. (Muslim‐ Vol.2, pg.144)

6. When ascending any high place one should say Allah-u-Akbar (Bukhari‐ pg. 420)

7. When descending to any place, one should say Subhanallah (Bukhari)

8. Note: It is mentioned in Mirqaat that this is a Sunnat of travelling. However, when one is ascending the stairs of his house or Masjid, then he should begin with his right foot and say Allah-u-Akbar even though it is only one stair. At the time of descending, begin with the left leg and recite Subhanallah although it is only a small decline. There is hope that one will receive the reward of practicing on a Sunnat. Mulla Ali Qari

(Rahmatulla hi alaih) has mentioned the wisdom in saying Allah-u-Akbar at the time of ascension, that although apparently we are going higher but O Allah! we are not high. Highness and greatness are only for you. While descending, a person says Subhanallah because we are low and O Allah! You are free from lowness.

9. When the town of one’s destination comes into view, then recite this dua:

Allahumma Barik lana feeha -

O Allah, grant us barakah (blessings) from this town. When entering the town recite this dua.

Allahumar zuqna janaha wahabibnaa ila a’hliha wahabib saalihi a’hliha elaina -

O Allah, grant us sustenance of this place. Make us beloved to the people of this place and make the pious people of this place beloved to us.

10. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) has mentioned that when the purpose for which one had undertaken the journey has been accomplished, one should return home immediately. It is not advisable to remain on a journey for no reason. (Bukhari‐pg.421)

11. When returning after many days from a lengthy journey, and one arrives home when a great portion of the night has passed, then he should not immediately enter his home. Rather it is better to go the next morning. (Mishkaat, pg.339)

12. If the family is aware of your late arrival and is expecting you, then there is no harm in going home immediately. (Mirkaat‐ Vol.7, pg.338)

13. By practicing these Sunnats one will receive the benefits in this world and the Hereafter.

14. It is forbidden to take a dog along on the journey or to keep bells, since Shaytaan follows such a person and the blessings of the journey are lost. (Muslim‐ Vol.1, pg.202)

15. Upon returning from a journey, it is Sunnat to first go to the Masjid, perform two raakats of Salaah and thereafter enter the home. (Mishkaat)

16. When returning from a journey recite this dua:

Aaeboona taaeboona aabidoona lirabbina haamidoon - (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

“We are returning (home) with repentance, utmost humility and praising our Lord.”