14 Tips for Muslim Travelers to Turn Journeys into Ibada

Hatice Ertoy from Kervan Magazine which is being published by Boğaziçi University students shares her tips. The list is perfect for those who are after not only travel but also blessings.

Once your journey starts with basmala, you can get to turn out both a tourist and an abid! However, it is only achieved by adopting an Islamic point of view through every moment of the trip. Kervan Magazine presents: 14 Tips for Muslim Travelers to Turn Journeys into Ibada.

Getting the parents’ blessing

First and foremost, one is not likely to have God’s blessing on their trip when their own parents didn’t give theirs. You can and should make it easier for your parents to keep up with your live location by letting them know your itinerary.

Two rakats of salah just before you leave

What could be better than starting a journey in His presence and seeking shelter in Him from any troubles you might face during the trip?

Not postponing prayers

The whole planet has been declared a masjid for us, remember? You can pray in cafes, parks, trains, buses, planes, or even simply by sitting if necessary. There is always a way to pray as long as you’re determined to do it on time.

Choosing a leader out of 3

“When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.” (Abu Dawood, Jihad, 80)

Remembering to ask from Allah

“Three supplications are answered without a doubt: the supplication of an oppressed person, the supplication of a traveler, and the supplication of a parent over his child.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1905). It’s a must for a Muslim traveler to pray for the sake of our ummah, our country, our family, our friends, ourselves, and humanity.

 Consensus with the fellow travelers

Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.

Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 38

Not compromising on halal eating

Do not forget to ask about the ingredients when trying the local food, especially abroad.

Contemplating on both natural and man-made beauties

You can think out of the box and turn your trip into a chance to thank Allah for every living thing He created.

Researching the spiritual history of your destination as well as its local food and tourist attractions

You can study the important Muslims that once lived there. Feeling the presence of their divine energy will nurture your soul.

Contemplating on diversity and rediscovering humanity from different angles

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

Surah Al-Hujurat, 13

Accurately answering the questions and biases about Islam or the Islamic world with patience

Remember, it compares to nothing when someone gets one step closer to Islam thanks to you.

Remaining close with the holy word of Allah

You can continue your usual readings of the Quran, translation of the Quran, tafsir, and hadith on a ticket queue or on a ride during the trip instead of abandoning them. You don’t even need to carry a copy since online or offline sources will do.

Being one with the local Muslim community

Make yourself part of the local Muslim community and join the jama’ah when possible. It’ll help your understanding of Islam around the world.

Imagining the past while walking among ancient ruins

By researching the local history beforehand, you can take a step towards further comprehending the ayah:

Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they have left) in the land: but Allah did call them to account for their sins, and none had they to defend them against Allah.

(Surah Al-Mu’min, 21)

This article was originally written in Turkish. Click here to read it! : Müslüman Gezginler İçin Seyahati İbadete Dönüştürecek 14 İpucu