IBN BATTUTA, THE early Muslim traveller, once said: ‘He who lives, sees. He who travels, sees more.’
When I was growing up, travel was rare. The only journeys most of us took were the occasional trips to visit relatives back home.
But things have changed.
Our generation, now settled in the West, has more disposable income than our parents ever did. Travel has become more accessible. The Muslim travel industry has boomed. Individuals and families now travel frequently and far.
As Believers, though, we must ask: Why do we travel?
1. Travelling to Witness Allah’s Creation
قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ بَدَأَ ٱلْخَلْقَ ۚ ثُمَّ ٱللَّهُ يُنشِئُ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
‘Say: “Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated creation, and then Allah will bring forth (resurrect) the creation of the Hereafter. Verily, Allah can do all things.” (al Ankabut 20)
When we stand before mountains, sail across oceans, or gaze upon waterfalls and wildlife, we’re not just tourists—we are witnesses to the signs of our Creator. Travel can be iman affirming, reminding us of Allah’s majesty through His creation.
2. Travelling to Reflect on the Fate of Past Civilisations
قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ ٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
‘Say: “Travel in the land and see the end of those who rejected truth.”’ (al-An’am 11)
Sites like the Pyramids of Egypt, the ruins of Petra, or the remnants of Madyan are not just photo ops. They’re reminders of nations that once thrived, yet were destroyed due to their disobedience to Allah ﷻ.
Even places like Andalucía and the broader Mediterranean region, once thriving centres of Islamic civilisation, now stand as silent witnesses to what was lost. These journeys should move us to reflect on our own condition as an ummah.
3. Travelling to Appreciate Islamic History and the Dawah
Across the globe lie the graves of companions and the footprints of our early scholars and warriors.
We find many places in the world where Islam has spread. In Jordan lies the grave of the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (ra). How did he get there? He died as a shaheed in the battle of Mu’tah alongside many other great sahaba. The grave of Abu Ayyub (ra) lies in Istanbul, centuries before it was opened by Muhammad ibn Fatih.
Going further afield, we find a masjid in Guangzhou (China) attributed to the great sahaba Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (ra). He is regarded as bringing Islam to China when he was sent by Khalifah Uthman (ra) as an ambassador to the Tang emperor of the time (circa 651CE).
The Muslims travelled and they took Islam with them wherever they went. A reflection of the words of the Prophet ﷺ when he said: ‘The siyaahah (travel/tourism) of my ummah is jihad for the sake of Allah.’ (Abu Dawud)
4. Travelling for Worship
The Prophet ﷺ said: “No journey should be undertaken to visit any masjid but three: al Masjid al-Haraam, the Masjid of the Messenger and the Masjid of al-Aqsa.” (al-Bukhari)
Indicating that one reason for travelling is to perform hajj and umrah, and worship at the three sacred masajid. These are not vacations, but spiritual revivals.
5. Travelling to Visit Loved Ones and the Ummah
The Prophet ﷺ said: “A man set out to visit a brother (in iman) in another town and Allah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him: “Where do you intend to go?” He said, “I intend to visit my brother in this town”. The angel said, “Have you done any favour to him?” He said, “No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious.” Thereupon, the angel said: “I am a messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake)”. (Muslim)
The Prophet ﷺ said to the sahaba: “Shall I not tell you about the best of your men?” We said: “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” He ﷺ said: “The Prophet is in Paradise, the truthful are in Paradise, the martyrs are in Paradise, the child who dies is in Paradise, and a man who visits his brother in a faraway land, only visiting him for the sake of Allah, is in Paradise. (al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr)
This includes visiting relatives to maintain the bonds of kinship, visiting the ill and travelling to see the state of the ummah and coming to their aid. Humanitarian work and gaining an insight into their situation is of great value.
6. Travelling for the Sake of Acquiring Knowledge
The often-quoted saying about travelling to China, if need be, is a weak hadith. But the notion stands because the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.’ (ibn Majah)
And we know the likes of Imam Bukhari, etc, who travelled across the lands to gather and authenticate ahadith. Indeed, they were the protectors of knowledge.
7. Travelling for Trade
It goes without saying that the Muslims travelled for trade. The evidence for this is obvious from the seerah. Interestingly, a lot of dawah happened through those trade routes. Islam entered West Africa and Indonesia through the dawah of traders.
Where’s the danger?
The Prophet ﷺ warned us that we would follow the ways of previous nations, inch by inch.
So we must ask ourselves honestly: What is driving our travel?
Is it the noble reasons above, or is it escapism? Vanity? Materialism?
For many today, travel has become a lifestyle: curated Instagram stories, luxury escapes, and indulgence under the guise of “self-care.” We’ve bought into the materialistic idea: “Work hard, play harder. You deserve it.”
But where in the Qur’an, Sunnah, or words of the scholars do we find the concept of travelling just to relax or “fly and flop”?
This modern travel culture has turned even Muslim lands into playgrounds for hedonism. Nightclubs, bikini beaches, and concerts, often introduced under the banner of “tourism development” and “diversification”, dilute the moral and spiritual fabric of our societies. Yet our lands are rich in natural beauty and spiritual heritage.
Why shouldn’t people visit our countries to learn about Islam and be inspired by our values?
Conclusion
I have no doubt that travelling can be of great value to those who can. The key is reflection. With the right attitude, it can draw us closer to Allah ﷻ and inspire awe. Valuable life lessons can be taken. The greatness of our Islamic civilisation can be discovered. Opening our eyes and hearts to the situation of the people across the world can make us grateful for what Allah ﷻ has given us and bring help to them. It can be an opportunity for dawah, learning and trade. It can strengthen bonds of kinship and friendship.
So, if we are to travel, then let us travel with intent.
Living For Islam 