—he was one of the Ansār—between the two battle lines. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‘That is a manner of walking which Allah hates, except in this situation.’”

As for a small amount of silk, such as a strip four fingers wide or the like, it is permissible in all circumstances. Scholars disagree concerning gold trim; the stronger view is that it too is permissible. For it is reported in the Sunan collections that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, “forbade gold except in small pieces.”

He was asked:

“About travel by a man with dependants …?” and so forth.

He replied:

As for travel by a man with dependants, if his journey would harm them, he must not travel. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“It is sufficient sin for a man to neglect those whom he supports.”

This applies whether they would be harmed through insufficient maintenance or because of their vulnerability. Travel in such circumstances is forbidden.

If they would suffer no harm, but would experience distress and a decline in their circumstances, then remaining with them is better, unless the journey offers a substantial benefit outweighing the reward of staying with them—such as knowledge he fears missing, or a shaykh whom it is necessary for him to meet. This, by my life, assumes that his intention in travelling is sound, making the journey religiously sanctioned.

But if his journey resembles that of many people, who travel merely out of restlessness and to pass the time, then remaining at home worshipping Allah is better for him in every case. Such a person needs