in earlier times, when people travelled on camels and endured great hardships—scorching heat in summer and biting cold in winter. For that reason the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that it is “a portion of torment,” depriving any one of you of his food, drink, and sleep. The traveller’s mind is preoccupied; he cannot eat and drink as he does in his ordinary days, nor can he sleep in the same way. Therefore, he should return to the comfort of his family and homeland so that he may see to their care, upbringing, and other needs.

This hadith also proves that staying with one’s family is better than remaining on a journey unless there is a genuine necessity, for one’s family depends on him. When Malik ibn al-Huwayrith came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with twenty men of his clan and they stayed with him for about twenty nights, the Prophet noticed their longing for their families and said, “Return to your people, stay among them, and teach and instruct them.” Thus, a person ought not to stay away from his family any longer than need requires. That is what is best, and Allah grants success.