Here are three simple ways to use our travels so that we can maximise it into ibadah.
- Make a dua list and make dua at every opportunity.
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, (pbuh), said, “The supplications of three are not turned back: the supplication of a parent, the supplication of a fasting person, and the supplication of a traveler.” (Source: al-Sunan al-Kubrá lil-Bayhaqī 639; Grade: Hasan according to Al-Albani)
From the moment that we become travellers until the moment we return, we have an amazing opportunity granted to us – the gift of an accepted dua. We can make the most of it by jotting down everything we need and want from our Lord and asking away! We can make dua even in our hearts and Allah hears us.
2. Use waiting time as opportunity for mindful dhikr.
Abdullah ibn Busr reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, the laws of Islam are too many for me, so tell me something I can hold onto.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” (Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3375; Grade: Sahih according to Al-Albani)
Waiting in lines can be frustrating, especially when we have kids getting restless and testing our patience. A good way to avoid saying anything regretful is to engage in dhikr. There are several authentic narrations about easy ones to do! We can also make use of dhikr in appropriate times, such as, a ‘subhanAllah’ when we come across a stunning view, or, ‘alhamdulillah’, when we count our blessings.
3. Reorient intention to please Allah (swt).
“Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended….” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The easiest way to accumulate some rewards during our travels (or any time, really) is to set our intention to please Allah. Our intentions for travelling can be to see Allah’s world, spend time with our loved ones, to feel at one with the ummah, and many more.
