Etiquette and Manner of Travelling

• Our beloved Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam preferred to commence a journey on a Thursday. (Bukhari)
• Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has forbidden one to travel alone. (Tirmidhi)
• Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam also disapproved of two persons travelling alone. (Tirmidhi)
• Rasullulah sallallahu alayhi wasallam advised that at least three persons should travel together. (Tirmidhi)
• It is excellent for four persons to travel in company. (Abu Dawood)
• Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: “If three persons travel together, one among them should be chosen as an Ameer.” (Abu Dawood) 
• Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: “If one has a sufficient supply of food and drink, one should consider those (companions) who have nothing at all.” (Muslim)
• When one returns from a long journey at night, one should not go home. (if one had not informed his family of ones arrival). (Bukhari)
• The noble habit of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam when returning from a journey was to enter Madinah Munawwarah at the time of Chast (late morning). He used to perform two rakaats salaat in the Masjid and thereafer remain there for a while to meet the people. (Bukhari)
• The leader of a travelling group is the one who presents himself for the service of others. (Baihaqi)
• If people who are on a journey have a dog or a bell with them, the angels of mercy do not accompany them. (Muslim) When travelling through green pastures, give the camels (or other animals) their right by allowing them to graze at intervals. (Muslim)
• When travelling in dry seasons (when there is no grass in the fields) then hasten (so that the animals may reach the destination earlier and have a rest). It is related in a narration that one should complete the journey before the animals become lifeless. (Muslim)
• Do not make the backs of an animal a mimbar (pulpit) (i.e. while mounted one should not have a discussion, because this causes the animals unnecessary inconvenience. If one decides to have a discussion then dismount. When intending to continue then remount). (Abu Dawood)
• On reaching the destination, loosen the reins and remove the saddle from the animal, therafter perform Nafl salaat (or do whatever work one has to do). This was the practice of the Sahaabah radhiallahu anhum. (Abu Dawood)
• Do not tie gut around the neck of an animal as there is fear that the neck might be severed. (Bukhari, Muslim)
• When encamping in the jungle for the night, refrain from encamping on the pathway, for different types of animals and deadly insects come out and spread on such pathways during the night. (Muslim)
• When stopping enroute a destination, everyone should remain together in one place and not scatter away (from one another) (Abu Dawood)
• When a person requests another to sit on the front seat on a journey, then say: ‘It is his privilege to do so.’ If he persists, then accept. (Tirmidhi)
• Travel is part of punishment: it prevents one from sleep, food and drink. Therefore when the work for which the journey was undertaken is completed, one should return home as soon as possible. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za