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Q: What is the Islamic position on travelling for holidays?
A: In principle, to travel for a necessary or beneficial purpose is permissible in Islam. Travelling for education and to learn lessons is encouraged. To travel for permissible leisure, to take a rest and rejuvenate is also permissible.
Notwithstanding the above, a Muslim should always be cognisant of and sensitive to surroundings and environment. Avoid travelling to places where one will be exposed to immoral behaviuor and practices.
Travel with the intention of seeing the greatness of Allah Ta’ala in His creation. Make Tadabbur (ponder) and Tafakkur (reflect) on the greatness of Allah Ta’ala. This can bring a person closer to Allah Ta’ala.
Whilst on travel, adhere to the laws of Islam and perform all Salah on time. Dress modestly and appropriately. Ensure the consumption of Halal food. Display one's best character at all times. Maintain the identity of a Muslim.
Q: What distance does a person have to travel in order to become a Musafir?
A: If a person intends travelling a distance of more than 77km's, then one will be regarded as a Musafir.
Q: How many days does a person have to stay in a place to be a Muqeem?
A: If a person intends travelling to and residing at a specific place for fifteen days or more, such a person will be regarded as a Muqeem (resident) in that place and will perform Salah in full. Staying for less than fifteen days will render a person Musafir.
Q: Is it permissible to perform Salah in a vehicle and in the aircraft?
A:It is not permissible to perform Fardh Salah in a moving vehicle when one is able to stop and perform Salah. However, it is permissible to perform Nafl Salah in a moving vehicle.
If the Salah time will expire before disembarking, then Salah maybe performed on the conveyance, provided the conditions are met.
With regards to air travel, Salah should be performed in the standing position where possible without inconveniencing others. If this is not possible, perform Salah whilst seated using gestures.
The Salah performed whilst seated should be repeated upon arrival at one's destination.
Q: How do I ascertain the direction of Qiblah?
A:The direction of Qiblah depends on the location one is in. For example, if a person is in South Africa, then the Qiblah would be in the North Easterly direction, or if a person is in India, the Qiblah would be towards the West. Since the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, one may ascertain the Qiblah direction accordingly.
Qiblah directions can be ascertained from the locals. One may also apply Taharri (reasoned estimation) and perform Salah accordingly.
Alternatively, one may use a reliable Qiblah application or compass as a means of assistance.
Q: How do we know of the Salah times of the area we are in?
A: The Salah times of different areas are available on online platforms. Try to ascertain Salah times in advance as part of your travel planning.
Q: What is the Awrah (compulsory area to cover) for a man and woman?
A: It is a minimum requirement for a man to cover his body from above his navel to below his knees whilst for a woman, it is necessary to cover her entire body besides her hands, face and feet.
Q: How should public toilets be used?
A: Using urinals is impermissible. It is advisable to carry one's own toilet paper and container for Istinja (washing). If the public toilet is to be used, then clean the seat before and after use. Use water and toilet paper for Istinja.
Leave the toilet in a state cleaner than it was found.
With regards to Wudhu in a public place, ensure the area used is cleaned after Wudhu.
Muslims should not cause inconvenience to others, by way of our actions and speech. Always consider others and be sensitive to their feelings.
This is a great form of Dawah.
Q: Can we eat at restaurants that sell alcohol?
A: Refrain from eating at such restaurants even though the food may be Halal.
Q: Can a Musafir read full Salah instead of shortened Salah?
A: According to the Hanafi Mazhab, it is obligatory on a Musafir to perform Qasr (shortened Salah). However, if one is reading behind a resident Imam, then full Salah will be performed.
Q: What is the ruling on Sunnah Salah for a Musafir?
A: In principle, a Musafir is exempted from the Sunnah Salah, both before and after the Fardh Salah. However, if the Musafir has time, and is not in a hurry, then it would be advisable to perform the Sunnah Salah, especially the Sunnah Salah of Fajr.
Q: Is it fine to use the braai stands in public places or resorts?
A: It is better to have one's own braai stand if possible. If not, then ensure that the braai stand is cleaned thoroughly before using it and there are no traces of meat on the grill. Alternatively place some foil on the braai stand and place the meat on the foil.
Q: Can we use the utensils of the chalet or resort?
A: It is permissible to use the utensils provided they are clean. It is preferable to rinse these utensils prior to using them.
Q: A woman wishes to go on holiday with her friends, without a Mahram. Is this permissible?
A: A woman may only travel on a journey of more than 77 kms (be this for Fardh Hajj or otherwise) provided she is accompanied by her husband or a Mahram relative. Mahrams refer those males who a woman cannot marry, like her father, grandfather, brothers of her father and mother, sons, grandsons, her brothers, sons of her brothers and sisters.
And Allah Knows Best
Darul Ihsan Fatwa Dept.