Islam and travelling ?
Can you tell what is Islam's stance on travelling in terms of what Allah (SWT) has said about it in the Holy Quran and what our Prophet (PBUH) said about it? Is it a good thing to go and travel to see the beautiful things Allah has created for us, to see how different people and cultures operate and to take part in things that will be of benefit to others such as community or volunteer work?
Islam sees travelling in an important light. Firstly, there are times when a person has to travel; the most obvious example is when we perform the obligatory Hajj to Makka. Secondly, it is the Sunna of our beloved Messenger. Prior to the public announcement of his Nabuwwa, he made many trips outside Makka (such as Syria) and after announcing his Nabuwwa, he travelled as part of the Migration (Hijra).
Thirdly, in order to seek admonition, the Qur’an actually orders us to travel. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘Say (O Prophet) ‘Travel in the Land and see what was the outcome of those who rejected the truth.’ (6:11).
Fourthly, you will see that all the great scholars, saints and Sufis of the Muslim world all travelled extensively during their lifetime to seek knowledge and experience, like Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Ghazali, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani and so on. Great historians like Ibn Khaldun could never have produced such outstanding and voluminous works if they had not travelled so extensively.
Therefore when done with noble intentions, travelling is a virtuous act. In fact, simply walking towards the mosque is rewarding, according to the famous Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) .