any surplus.” (1)
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “While travelling, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would stay at the rear, urging on the weak (2), seating them behind him, and praying for them.” (3) This shows his ﷺ compassion and his concern for their welfare, so that all Muslims in general—and those entrusted with authority in particular—may follow his example.
29 – He should hasten to return and not prolong his stay away without necessity, for the Prophet ﷺ said: “Travel is a fragment of torment; it keeps one from his food, his drink, and his sleep. When any of you has achieved his aim, let him hasten back to his family.” (4)
30 – It is recommended that, on the way back from his journey, he recite the words authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ: whenever he returned from a campaign, or Hajj, or
(1) Reported by Muslim, Book of Lost-and-Found Items, chapter “The recommendation to share surplus wealth,” no. 1728.
(2) The phrase yuzji al-daif means “to urge the weak one along and propel him until he rejoins his companions.” See: Ibn al-Athir, al-Nihaya fi gharib al-hadith, 2:297.
(3) Reported by Abu Dawud, Book of Jihad, chapter “Staying with the rear guard,” no. 2639; by al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak, 2:115, who judged it sahih according to Muslim’s criteria—a verdict endorsed by al-Dhahabi; also authenticated by al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud, 2:500, and in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, no. 2120.
(4) Reported by al-Bukhari, Book of Umrah, chapter “Travel is a piece of torment,” no. 1804; and by Muslim, Book of Governance, chapter “Travel is a piece of torment and the recommendation that a traveler hasten home once his business is finished,” no. 1927. The word nihma means “a need.”