Islam places a high vaIslam places a high value on travel or safar since it is both a spiritual and a physical journey. In order to enable Muslims to transform their travels into acts of worship the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave clear instructions on sunnahs and proper travel behavior. Observing these customs can provide blessings protection and spiritual benefits to those getting ready to travel such as during the mudik calendar. An extensive guide to Islamic travel etiquette and sunnahs can be found below.
Getting Ready For The Trip: Prayers, Istikharah And Right Intention
A Muslim should have a genuine intention (niyyah) to travel for the glory of Allah ﷻ before setting out on a journey. The intention should be in line with pleasing Allah regardless of whether the goal is to see family, learn new things or partake in legal activities. To ask Allah for direction and blessings on the journey it is also advised with the Istikharah prayer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also instructed people to recite particular prayers before leaving:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
in the name of Allah. I trust Allah Other than Allah there is no strength or power. (Narrated by Abu Dawud).
Also read:4 Business Tips Based on Rasulullah
Good Behavior, Dhikr And Prayers Are All Part Of The Travels Etiquettes
A Muslim should constantly remember (dhikr) and pray to Allah while on the road in order to keep a close relationship with Him. When getting into a transportation mode whatever it is the Prophet ﷺ taught the following prayer:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا، وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
We could never have accomplished this on our own so praise be to Him who has subjected us to it. . Indeed we will go back to our Lord. (Narrated by Muslim).
As stated by the Prophet ﷺ travelers are urged to increase their prayers because their prayers are amongst the closest ones to get answered. Traveling also requires good behavior. This entails showing consideration for other passengers refraining from rude remarks and protecting the environment by not leaving trash behind. According to the Prophet ﷺ picking wise travel companions is equally crucial. A good companion will keep you in check in both worldly and religious affairs.
Also read:Kufur Nikmat: Denial of Allah’s Blessings
How To Do Salah
As a courtesy from Allah ﷻ travelers are allowed to shorten (qasr) and combine (jama) their prayers to lessen the strain of worship while traveling. Shortening (qasr) Salah means making the 4 raka’ahs salah (dzuhr, ashr, and isya’) into 2 rakaah’s only and combining (jama’) salah means combining dzuhr and ashr or maghrib and isya’ in one go even when one of the salahs are not performed in their intended time.
What To Do After Arriving
Reconnecting with family and friends if not traveling with them and thanking Allah for a safe journey are also crucial customs.. To keep in touch with the loved ones is very important to keep somebody’s mental condition. Doing Shar’i Business activity also a beneficial thing to do in safar as well as just relaxing from the hectic of everyday life.
In conclusion
Islam views travel as a chance to become closer to Allah ﷻ rather than merely a physical journey. Muslims can turn their travels into acts of worship and receive blessings and spiritual rewards by following the sunnahs and travel etiquette. I pray that everyone who is traveling especially those going back to their hometowns makes the most of this opportunity to deepen their relationship with Allah and their faith.
Also read:Helping Others Better Worship Than I’tikaf
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
References
Dal4you. (n.d.). Sunnahs of traveling in Islam. Retrieved from https://www.dal4you.com
Alukah. (n.d.). Guidance for travelers. Retrieved from https://www.alukah.net
Kalemtayeb. (n.d.). Etiquettes of traveling in Islam. Retrieved from https://kalemtayeb.com
CNN Indonesia. (2022). 7 practices during mudik to gain blessings and rewards. Retrieved from https://www.cnnindonesia.com
Muslim.or.id. (n.d.). Adab-adab safar (bepergian jauh). Retrieved from https://muslim.or.id
Rumaysho. (n.d.). Doa dan bacaan penting saat safar (traveling). Retrieved from https://rumaysho.com
