The Book of Etiquette of Traveling

The Prophet (ﷺ) set out on Thursday for the expedition of Tabuk. He liked to set out on a journey on Thursdays. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

عن كعب بن مالك، رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلمى الله عليه وسلم الله عليه وسلم خرج في غزوة تبوك يوم الخميس، وكان يحب أن يخرج يوم الخميس‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ وفي رواية في “الصحيحين” لقلما كان رسول الله…

+ 37 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "O Allah! Bless my people in the early part of the day (morning). Whenever he dispatched a detachment or an army-unit, he would dispatch it at the beginning of the day (soon after dawn). The narrator, Sakhr (May Allah be pleased with him) was a merchant, and he used…

وعن صخر بن وداعة الغامدي الصحابي رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ “اللهم بارك لأمتي في بكورها‏"‏ وكان إذا بعث سرية أو جيشاً بعثهم من أول النهار‏.‏ وكان صخر تاجراً فكان يبعث تجارته أول النهار، فأثري…

+ 13 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night." [Al-Bukhari].

عن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏"‏لو أن الناس يعلمون من الوحدة ما أعلم ما سار راكب بليل وحده” ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 9 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A single rider is (accompanied with) Satan and two riders are (accompanied with) two Satans. Three riders form a group." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

وعن عمر بن شعيب عن أبيه عن جده رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ “الراكب شيطان والراكبان شيطانان والثلاثة ركب‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود والترمذي والنسائي بأسانيد صحيحة، وقال الترمذي‏:‏ حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏

+ 5 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader." [Abu Dawud].

وعن أبي سعيد وأبي هريرة رضي الله عنهما قالا‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ “إذا خرج ثلاثة في سفر فليأمروا أحدهم‏"‏ حديث حسن، ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best number of companions is four; the best detachment is four hundred and the best army is four thousand; and twelve thousand men will not be defeated as a result of smallness of number." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ “خير الصحابة أربعة وخير السرايا أربعمائة وخير الجيوش أربعة آلاف ولن يغلب اثنا عشر ألفاً عن قلة‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود والترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 6 other versions

When you travel through green lush land, give the camels their share from the ground, and when you travel through dry barren land, make them walk quickly before their strength falters

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When you travel through green lush land, give the camels their share from the ground, and when you travel through dry barren land, make them walk quickly before their strength falters. When you encamp at night, keep away from the roads, because…

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ “إذا سافرتم في الخصب فأعطوا الإبل حظها من الأرض وإذا سافرتم في الجدب فأسرعوا عليها السير وبادروا بها نقيها، وإذا عرستم، فاجتنبوا الطريق، فإن طرق…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 5 other versions Explained

When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) encamped to sleep at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he wanted to sleep before dawn, he would extend his forearm and place his head on his palm

Abu Qatādah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) encamped to sleep at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he wanted to sleep before dawn, he would extend his forearm and place…

وعن أبي قتادة، رضي الله عنه، قال‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، إذا كان في سفر، فعرس بليل اضطجع علي يمينه وإذا عرس قبيل الصبح نصب ذراعه، ووضع رأسه علي كفه‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ قال العلماء‏:‏ إنما نصب ذراعه…

Narrated by Abu Qatāda + 3 other versions Explained

Travel during the night, for indeed, the land is folded up at night

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Travel during the night, for indeed, the land is folded up at night.”

"‏عليكم بالدلجة، فإن الأرض تطوي بالليل‏"

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 2 other versions Explained

Your scattering about in the mountain passes and valleys is indeed from the devil

Abu Tha‘labah al-Khushani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the people encamped during a journey, they would disperse in the mountain passes and valleys. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) noticed this he said: "Your scattering about in the…

"‏إن تفرقكم في هذه الشعاب والأودية إنما ذلكم من الشيطان‏!‏‏"

Narrated by Abu Tha‘laba al-Khushanī + 3 other versions Explained

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) happened to pass by a camel whose belly was sticking to its back (because of hunger), whereupon he said, "Fear Allah in respect of these dumb (animals). Ride them while they are fit, and slaughter them and eat their meat when they are fit." [Abu Dawud].

"‏اتقوا الله في هذه البهائهم المعجمة، فاركبوها صالحة وكلوها صالحة‏"

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) made me ride behind him one day and confided something to me which I shall never disclose to anyone. ('Abdullah added:) He ((ﷺ) preferred to screen himself from others when responding to the call of nature, either behind a wall or the trunk of a date-palm. [Muslim]…

وعن أبي جعفر عبد الله بن جعفر، رضي الله عنهما، قال‏:‏ أردفني رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، ذات يوم خلفه، وأسر إلي حديثاً لا أحدث به أحداً من الناس وكان أحب ما أستتر به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لحاجته هدف أو حائش…

+ 5 other versions

When we encamped, we would not offer (voluntary) prayers until we had unsaddled our beasts. [Abu Dawud].

وعن أنس، رضي الله عنه، قال‏:‏ كنا إذا نزلنا منزلا لا نسبح حتي نحل الرحال‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد علي شرط مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ وقوله‏:‏ ‏ ‏لا نسبح‏ ‏‏:‏ أي لا نصلي النافلة، ومعناه‏:‏ أنا -مع حرصنا علي الصلاة- لا نقدمها…

+ 2 other versions

While we were travelling with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), a rider came and began to stare on the right and on the left. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who has an extra mount should hand it over to one who has none, and he who possesses surplus provision, should give it to him who is without…

وعن أبي سعيد الخدري، رضي الله عنه، قال‏:‏ بينما نحن في سفر إذ جاء رجل علي راحلة له، فجعل يصرف بصره يميناً وشمالاً، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏"‏من كان معه فضل ظهر؛ فليعد به علي من لا ظهر له، ومن كان له فضل…

+ 5 other versions

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) made up his mind to go in an expedition, he would say to us, "O Muhajirin and the Ansar! There are among you such people who have no property and no kinsfolk. Let everyone of you take along with him two or three men. None of us had a spare animal we took rides by…

وعن جابر رضي الله عنه، عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، أنه أراد أن يغزو، فقال‏:‏ يا معشر المهاجرين والأنصار‏!‏ إن من إخوانكم قوماً، ليس لهم مال، ولا عشيرة، فليضم أحدكم إليه الرجلين، أو الثلاثة، فما لأحدنا من ظهر يحمله…

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 2 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to lag behind while travelling and urge the weak to walk quickly. He used to take up someone behind him and make supplication for him. [Abu Dawud].

وعنه قال‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتخلف في المسير، فيزجي الضعيف ويردف ويدعو له، ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

+ 2 other versions

Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)," thrice. Then he (ﷺ) would supplicate: "Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas'aluka…

وعن ابن عمر، رضي الله عنهما، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا استوى علي بعيره خارجاً إلى سفر، كبر ثلاثاً، ثم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏سبحان الذي سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين، وإنا إلي ربنا لمنقلبون‏.‏ اللهم إنا نسألك في سفرنا…

+ 2 other versions

Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) proceeded on a journey, he would seek refuge in Allah from the hardships of the journey, and against deviation after guidance, and against the supplication of the oppressed, and occurrences of unpleasant events in the family and property. He would say: "Allahumma…

وعن عبد الله بن سرجس، رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا سافر يتعوذ من وعثاء السفر، وكآبة المنقلب، والحور بعد الكون، ودعوة المظلوم‏.‏ وسوء المنظر في الأهل والمال‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏ هكذا هو في…

+ 14 other versions

In my presence, a beast was brought to 'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) for riding. When he put his foot in the stirrup, he said: "Bismillah (With the Name of Allah)." When he had settled himself on its back he recited: "Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna…

وعن علي بن ربيعة قال‏:‏ شهدت علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه أتي بدابة ليركبها، فلما وضع رجله في الركاب قال‏:‏ بسم الله، فلما استوي علي ظهرها قال‏:‏ الحمد لله الذي سخر لنا هذا، وما كنا له مقرنين، وإنا إلي ربنا لمنقلبون، ثم…

+ 4 other versions

When we ascended (a height) we would proclaim: "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)," and when we descended (from the height) we would proclaim: "Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)."' [Al-Bukhari].

عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ كنا إذا صعدنا كبرنا، وإذا نزلنا سبحنا‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 2 other versions

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) and his army ascended a height, they would proclaim: "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)," and when they climbed down, they would proclaim: "Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)." [Abu Dawud].

وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وجيوشه إذا علو الثنايا كبروا، وإذا هبطوا سبحوا‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 7 other versions

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) returned from Hajj or 'Umrah and ascended a height or hill, he would recite thrice: "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)." Then he would say, "La ilaha ill-allahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul- mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadeer. Ayibuna ta'ibuna…

"‏ لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو علي كل شئ قدير آيبون تائبون عابدون ساجدون لربنا حامدون‏.‏ صدق الله وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده‏"

+ 16 other versions

A man said: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), I intend to set out on a journey, so counsel me." He (ﷺ) said, "Fear Allah, and ascending towards the raised ground, you should recite: "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)." When the man turned away, he (ﷺ) said, "O Allah! Shorten the distance for him and make…

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رجلاً قال‏:‏ يا رسول الله ، إني أريد أن أسافر فأوصني، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏عليك بتقوى الله، والتكبيرعلي كل شرف‏"‏ فلما ولى الرجل قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ اللهم اطو له البعد، وهون عليه السفر” ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 7 other versions

We accompanied the Prophet (ﷺ) in a journey, and when we climbed up a height, we proclaimed aloud: "La ilaha illallah (There is no true god except Allah)" and "Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)." The Prophet (ﷺ) admonished us saying, "O people, take it easy. He Whom you are calling is not deaf or…

وعن أبي موسي الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ كنا مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في سفر، فكنا إذا أشرفنا على واد هللنا وكبرنا وارتفعت أصواتنا، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏”يا أيها الناس أربعوا عل أنفسكم فإنكم لا تدعون أصم…

Narrated by Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari + 24 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Three supplications are answered without doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveller, and the supplication of the parent for his son." [At- Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

"‏ ثلاث دعوات مستجابات لا شك فيهن‏:‏ دعوة المظلوم، ودعوة المسافر، ودعوة الوالد على ولده‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 13 other versions

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), feared mischief from a people, he would supplicate: "Allahumma inna naj'aluka fi nuhurihim, wa na'udhu bika min shururihim (O Allah! We ask You to face them, and seek Your Protection against their evil." [Abu Dawud and An- Nasa'i].

"‏ اللهم إنا نجعلك في نحورهم ، ونعوذ بك من شرورهم‏"

Narrated by Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari + 4 other versions

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Whosoever alights somewhere and says: 'A'udhu bikalimat-illahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge with the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created),' nothing will harm him until he leaves that place." [Muslim].

"‏من نزل منزلاً ثم قال‏:‏ أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق‏:‏ لم يضره شيء حتي يرتحل من منزله ذلك‏"

+ 11 other versions

Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out on a journey, he would say by nightfall: "Ya ardu, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-illahu, a'udhu billahi min sharriki wa sharri ma fiki, wa sharri ma khuliqa fiki, wa sharri ma yadibbu 'alaiki; a'udhu billahi min sharri asadin wa aswadin, wa minal-hayyati wal-'aqrabi…

"‏ يا أرض ، ربي وربك الله، أعوذ بالله من شرك وشر ما فيك ، وشر ما خلق فيك، وشر ما يدب عليك أعوذ بالله من شر أسد وأسود، ومن الحية والعقرب، ومن ساكن البلد، ومن والد وما ولد‏"

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 4 other versions

Travel is a portion of torment

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Travel is a portion of torment. It prevents you from eating, drinking and sleeping. When one of you has achieved his purpose from his journey, let him hasten back to his…

"‏السفر قطعة من العذاب، يمنع أحدكم طعامه، وشرابه ونومه، فإذا قضى أحدكم نهمته من سفره، فليعجل إلى أهله‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 11 other versions Explained

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When one of you stays away (from his family) for a long period of time, let him not surprise his family by night." In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited us from coming back to our family at night…

"‏إذا أطال أحدكم الغيبة فلا يطرقن أهله ليلاً‏"

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 5 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not come (back) to his family by night. He used to come in the morning or in the evening (before dark). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أنس رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يطرق أهله ليلاً، وكان يأتيهم غدوة أو عشية‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏الطروق‏ ‏ ‏:‏المجيء في الليل‏.‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 4 other versions

We returned with the Prophet (ﷺ) from a journey; and when we entered the suburbs of Al- Madinah, he (ﷺ) said: "Ayibuna, ta'ibuna, 'abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are returning in safety, turning to our Rubb, worshipping Him and praising Him)." He (ﷺ) continued repeating these words till we entered…

"‏آيبون، تائبون ، عابدون ، لربنا حامدون‏"

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 2 other versions

Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) returned from a journey, he would proceed straight to the mosque and perform two Rak'ah of (optional) prayer. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

عن كعب بن مالك رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا قدم من سفر بدأ بالمسجد فركع فيه ركعتين ‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

Narrated by Ka‘b ibn Mālik + 37 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to make a journey of one day and night unless she is accompanied by a Mahram (husband or any other relative to whom she is prohibited to marry)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏لا يحل لامرأة تؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر تسافر مسيرة يوم وليلة إلا مع ذي محرم عليها‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 22 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No man must not be alone with a woman except in the presence of her (Mahram). No woman should travel except in company of a (Mahram)." A man said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have been enrolled for such and such expedition, and my wife left for Hajj." He (ﷺ) said to him, "Go and…

وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أنه سمع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏"‏لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا ومعها ذو محرم، ولا تسافر المرأة إلا مع ذي محرم‏"‏ فقال له رجل‏:‏ يا رسول الله إن امرأتي خرجت حاجّة، وإني اكتتبت في غزوة كذا…

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 12 other versions