What are the Islamic manners of traveling?

Before you leave

Start with a good intention, whether the trip is for family, work, study or rest. Settle any debts or promises you can, and tell your family where you're going. The Prophet ﷺ usually set out on Thursdays (Sahih al-Bukhari 2949), though traveling on other days is perfectly fine.

Saying goodbye has its own words. The Prophet ﷺ would bid travelers farewell with: "I entrust to Allah your religion, your trusts and the last of your deeds" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3443, graded hasan). On your way out of the door, the dua for leaving home applies too. See What dua do I say when leaving the house?

On the road

When the Prophet ﷺ mounted his ride for a journey, he said "Allahu akbar" three times and recited:

He then asked Allah for goodness and an easy journey, and for protection for the family left behind (Sahih Muslim 1342). The companions said "Allahu akbar" when going up and "SubhanAllah" when going down (Sahih al-Bukhari 2993). Today that can mean a plane taking off and landing, or driving up and down hills.

A traveler's dua is one of three that are answered (Sunan Abi Dawud 1536, graded hasan), so use the waiting time at gates and stations for dua instead of only scrolling.

Traveling with others

Islam encourages company on a journey. The Prophet ﷺ said that if people knew what he knew about traveling alone, nobody would travel alone at night (Sahih al-Bukhari 2998). When three travel together, they should choose one as leader (Sunan Abi Dawud 2608, graded hasan sahih), which simply means someone who makes the final call on plans so the group doesn't argue.

• Share food, carry each other's bags, and be patient with delays.
• Keep your prayers. Travelers may shorten and, in most schools, combine. See Can I pray on a plane?
• Respect local laws and customs, and be polite to staff and strangers.

Coming home

The Prophet ﷺ called travel "a kind of torture" because it disturbs eating and sleep, and told people to return quickly once their need is done (Sahih al-Bukhari 1804). He also discouraged turning up at your family's door at night unannounced (Sahih al-Bukhari 1801); today a quick message with your arrival time does the job. On return, he would go to the mosque and pray two rakats before sitting (Sahih al-Bukhari 3088).