The travels of the Prophet (pbuh) are an integral aspect of Islamic history. They also provide us a lens through which to view the arduous physical efforts that the Prophet and his companions experienced for the sake of Allah. Unlike today’s instant access, moving about in the time of the Prophet demanded patience, tawakkul (dependence on Allah), and sabr. If we knew the speed of camels and the meaning of these travels, perhaps we would better appreciate their sacrifices.
Travel in the Prophetic Era
Camels, commonly referred to as the “ships of the desert,” were a main form of transportation in Arabia. Historical records suggest that camels were usually able to cover between 40 and 50 km in a day at a steady pace, while faster camels could travel at 80 km during short bursts.
One of the best known trips was the Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah, with the journey distance being up to around 450 kilometers and lasting 8–10 days by camel. It was not a journey of travel, it was a journey of life. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) were always inescapably dangerous situations as the Qurasyh continued to pursue them.
It is during these tough times that we are reminded that spreading Islam was never a stroll in the park; there was no mile covered on the way of Allah without a great sacrifice.
Qur’anic Perspective on Travel and Reflection
The Qur’an encourages believers to travel and reflect:
“Do they not travel through the land so that their hearts may gain wisdom and their ears may perhaps listen?”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:46)
Travel during the Prophet’s era was an act of faith. That it implied risk and hunger and physical rigor had not deterred the companions from it in the cause of Allah. They were inspired by their love for the deen and faith in Allah’s qadr.
Prophetic Missions and Journeys
Apart from Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ travelled to spots such as Badr, Uhud, Tabuk and Hudaybiyyah. Every journey was undertaken with a purpose: promoting the message of tawheed, protecting the Muslims, or concluding treaties.
Allah commends those who are put to difficulties for His sake.
“Those who believe, and migrate and strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and lives, they are greater in rank in the sight of Allah, and it is they who will triumph.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:20)
These verses emphasize that physical effort for Allah’s sake carries immense spiritual reward.
Lessons for Modern Muslims
Today, cars and airplanes make it possible for us to travel hundreds of kilometers in a few hours. But we gripe about trifles, such as a delay or traffic jam. Mediation on the journey of The Prophet (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) teaches us:
- Thankfulness for contemporary blessings.
- The significance of struggle and bearing for the deen.
- A journey of travel is a journey for zikr and reflection, not frustration.
Conclusion
Realising how the speed of camels and the travelling times of old make the work of our beloved Prophet’s ﷺ, makes us appreciate his mission even further! His every action was for Islam. And these travels serve as a reminder that faith often means frustration and sacrifice. As Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.”
(Surah Aal Imran 3:159)
The Prophet’s journeys in Safar or any other month were not governed by superstition or fear; they were governed by tawakkul and submission to Allah.
