Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Practices During Travel | Explore the travel practices of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and learn how his actions and supplications can guide modern-day journeys with spiritual purpose and safety.
Journeying with the Prophet’s Guidance | Travel has always been an integral part of human experience, offering opportunities for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), through his journeys, exemplified how travel can be transformed into an act of worship and a means to draw closer to Allah. By examining his practices during travel, we can glean insights to enrich our own journeys today.
The Prophet’s Intentions and Preparations for Travel
Before embarking on any journey, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of intention (niyyah). He encouraged travelers to set a sincere intention to seek Allah’s pleasure, whether the purpose was for trade, seeking knowledge, or visiting family. Additionally, he would perform two units of prayer (raka’at) before leaving, seeking Allah’s guidance and protection for the journey ahead.
Supplications and Remembrance During Travel
Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Practices During Travel include a close look at what duaa he said during travel. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught specific supplications to be recited at various stages of travel. One such dua is:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى، وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى، اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا، وَاطْوِ عَنَّا بُعْدَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ، وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الْأَهْلِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ، وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالْأَهْلِ
Transliteration:
Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina haza al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-‘amali ma tardha. Allahumma hawwin ‘alayna safarana haza, watwi ‘anna bu’dahu. Allahumma anta as-sahibu fis-safari, wal-khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min wa’tha’is-safari, wa kaabatil-manzari, wa su’il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli.
Translation:
O Allah, we ask You during our journey for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that are pleasing to You. O Allah, make our journey easy for us and shorten its distance. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from having a change of hearts and being in a bad predicament, and I seek refuge in You from an ill fate in wealth and family.
The Travel Practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Spiritual Guide for Every Journey
Travel is an experience that tests patience, strengthens character, and offers opportunities for reflection and remembrance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ not only traveled often but also provided a comprehensive example of how to journey with mindfulness, gratitude, and purpose. His Sunnah offers timeless guidance that can transform travel into an act of worship.
In this guide, we explore the travel practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — from the importance of companionship and leadership, to the observance of worship, reciting prophetic duas, and acts of gratitude upon return. Every aspect of travel, when approached through the prophetic lens, becomes a means of drawing nearer to Allahﷻ.
Emphasis on Companionship and Leadership During Travel
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised against traveling alone, especially through the desert or uninhabited lands. He emphasized the significance of companionship for spiritual, emotional, and physical support. It is authentically narrated:
‟الرَّاكِبُ شَيْطَانٌ، وَالرَّاكِبَانِ شَيْطَانَانِ، وَالثَّلَاثَةُ رَكْبٌ”
Transliteration: Ar-rākibu shayṭān, wa ar-rākibāni shayṭānān, wa ath-thalāthatu rakb
Translation: The lone rider is a devil, two riders are two devils, but three make a proper traveling party.
Source: Sunan Abi Dawood 2607
Furthermore, the Prophet ﷺ said:
‟When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.”
— Abu Dawood 2608
This leadership is not about superiority but about ensuring unity, responsibility, and harmony during travel. Today, even in modern contexts like road trips, air travel, or group tours, these principles remain relevant.
Observance of Worship During Travel
Despite the hardships of travel, the Prophet ﷺ never neglected his devotion to Allahﷻ. His practice was to take advantage of the concessions Allahﷻ has granted to travelers:
1. Shortening the Prayer (Qasr):
The four-unit prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha) were shortened to two units.
2. Combining the Prayer (Jam’):
Dhuhr and Asr could be combined, as well as Maghrib and Isha, especially when stopping for a short time or facing difficulty.
This is based on the verse:
﴾وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَنْ تَقْصُرُوا مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ﴿
Transliteration: Wa idhā ḍarabtum fi al-arḍi falaysa ‘alaykum junāḥun an taqṣurū minaṣ-ṣalāti
Translation: And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer.
Surah An-Nisa, 4:101
The Prophet ﷺ also engaged in abundant dhikr (remembrance) and supplication throughout his journey. He taught his companions to:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” when ascending in elevation
- Say “SubhanAllah” when descending
1. Dua for Starting the Journey
‟اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى، وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى…”
Transliteration:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhana alladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wa at-taqwa, wa mina al-‘amali ma tarda…
Translation:
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. Glory is to Him who has subjected this [vehicle] to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it; and indeed, to our Lord we will surely return. O Allahﷻ, we ask You on this journey for righteousness and piety, and for actions that are pleasing to You…
Source: Sahih Muslim 1342
2. Dua for Entering a Town or City
‟اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظْلَلْنَ، وَرَبَّ الْأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَقْلَلْنَ… أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ، وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا، وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا، وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا، وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا”
Transliteration:
Allahumma Rabbas-samawatis-sab‘i wa ma azlalna, wa Rabbal-ardinas-sab‘i wa ma aqallna… As’aluka khayra hadhihi al-qaryah, wa khayra ahliha, wa khayra ma fiha, wa a‘udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha
Translation:
O Allahﷻ, Lord of the seven heavens and what they shade, Lord of the seven earths and what they contain… I ask You for the goodness of this town, the goodness of its people, and the goodness that is in it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of its people, and the evil that is in it.
Source: Nasai 5477
3. Dua for Returning from Travel
‟آيِبُونَ، تَائِبُونَ، عَابِدُونَ، لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ”
Transliteration: A’ibuna, ta’ibuna, ‘abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun
Translation: We are returning, repentant, worshipping, and praising our Lord.
Source: Sahih Muslim 1344
Practices Upon Returning from Travel
When returning from a journey, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would:
- Perform two rak‘ahs in the masjid before going home
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 441 - Greet his family warmly
- Express gratitude to Allahﷻ for safety and provision
These acts highlight the importance of re-entering one’s community and home with humility, prayer, and joy.
Emulating the Prophet’s Travel Practices Today
In modern times, whether we’re flying overseas or taking a road trip, the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remains profoundly applicable. By following his practices, we can transform routine travel into worship:
- Set sincere intentions
- Recite prophetic duas regularly
- Maintain prayer through qasr and jam‘
- Uphold good character with travel companions
- Express gratitude upon return
These habits align our journey with the example of the Prophet ﷺ and elevate even the most routine movements to acts of ibadah.
The travel practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ offer a complete blueprint for moving through the world with awareness, intention, and gratitude. From his emphasis on companionship and leadership to his profound daily duas and acts of worship, the Prophet ﷺ showed us how to make even our movement a means of gaining nearness to Allahﷻ.
Let every journey be an act of dhikr. Let every destination bring you closer to Jannah.
Word Count: 2,153
Relevant Keywords: Prophet Muhammad travel practices, travel sunnah, dua for travel, Islamic travel guide, travel duas, prophetic travel habits, dua before journey, dua after travel, qasr prayer travel, Islamic rulings on travel prayer
Read more: Dua for Protection During Travel – MuslimDuaa.com
Emphasis on Companionship and Leadership
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised against traveling alone, emphasizing the importance of companionship for safety and mutual support. He also recommended that when three or more people travel together, they should appoint one among them as a leader to maintain order and unity during the journey.
Observance of Worship During Travel
Despite the challenges of travel, the Prophet (ﷺ) remained diligent in his worship. He took advantage of the concessions allowed during travel, such as shortening (qasr) and combining (jam’) prayers, to maintain his connection with Allah without hardship. He also encouraged travelers to engage in remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and to recite takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) when ascending and tasbih (saying “SubhanAllah”) when descending during their journey.
Practices Upon Returning from Travel
Upon returning from a journey, the Prophet (ﷺ) would go to the mosque and perform two units of prayer, expressing gratitude for a safe return. He would also greet his family and companions warmly, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and community.
Emulating the Prophet’s Travel Practices Today
The travel practices of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) offer a holistic approach that combines spiritual mindfulness, practical wisdom, and social responsibility. By emulating his example—setting sincere intentions, engaging in supplications, maintaining worship, fostering companionship, and expressing gratitude—we can transform our journeys into meaningful experiences that draw us closer to Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I recite the Prophet’s travel supplications during modern travel, like driving or flying?
A1: Absolutely. The supplications taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) are timeless and can be recited during any form of travel to seek Allah’s protection and blessings.
Q2: Is it necessary to perform the two units of prayer before and after travel?
A2: While not obligatory, performing two units of prayer before embarking on a journey and upon returning is a recommended practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and serves as a means of seeking Allah’s guidance and expressing gratitude.
Q3: What is the significance of appointing a leader during group travel?
A3: Appointing a leader helps maintain organization, ensures decisions are made efficiently, and fosters unity among travelers, reflecting the Prophet’s (ﷺ) emphasis on structured and harmonious group dynamics.
Q4: What are some spiritual benefits of traveling like the Prophet (ﷺ)?
A4: Traveling as the Prophet (ﷺ) did—through reflection, prayer, and reliance on Allah—nurtures humility, increases gratitude, and strengthens one’s relationship with the Creator. It also instills mindfulness and helps cultivate inner peace through remembrance of Allah.