Abu Sa`id who participated in twelve Ghazawat with the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I heard four things from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (or I narrate them from the Prophet (ﷺ) ) which won my admiration and appreciation. They are: -1. "No lady should travel without her husband or without a Dhu-Mahram for a two-days' journey. -2. No fasting is permissible on two days of `Id-ul-Fitr, and `Id-al-Adha. -3. No prayer (may be offered) after two prayers: after the `Asr prayer till the sun set and after the morning prayer till the sun rises. -4. Not to travel (for visiting) except for three mosques: Masjid-al-Haram (in Mecca), my Mosque (in Medina), and Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem).
Penalty of Hunting while on Pilgrimage
Sahih al-Bukhari 1864
Hadith Text
Abu Sa`id who participated in twelve Ghazawat with the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I heard four things from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (or I narrate them from the Prophet (ﷺ) ) which won my admiration and appreciation. They are: -1. "No lady should travel without her husband or without a Dhu-Mahram for a two-days' journey. -2. No fasting is permissible on two days of `Id-ul-Fitr, and `Id-al-Adha. -3. No prayer (may be offered) after two prayers: after the `Asr prayer till the sun set and after the morning prayer till the sun rises. -4. Not to travel (for visiting) except for three mosques: Masjid-al-Haram (in Mecca), my Mosque (in Medina), and Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem).
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari contains four important legal rulings that demonstrate the comprehensive nature of Islamic legislation. The first ruling protects women's honor and security by prohibiting travel without a mahram, preventing potential harm during journeys. The second establishes the prohibition of fasting on the two Eid days, which are occasions for celebration and gratitude to Allah. The third ruling specifies forbidden times for voluntary prayers, preserving the sanctity of obligatory prayer times. The fourth emphasizes the special status of the three sacred mosques, encouraging visitation to these blessed sites while discouraging excessive travel to other mosques merely for reward.
Legal Implications
These rulings form part of the foundational principles of Islamic jurisprudence. The travel restriction for women ensures their physical and moral protection. The prohibition of fasting on Eid days maintains the communal nature of Islamic celebrations. The restricted prayer times prevent innovation in worship times. The limitation on mosque travel preserves the unique status of the three holiest sites in Islam while preventing unnecessary hardship in seeking reward.