(freed slave of) Ziyad: I heard Abu Sa`id Al-khudri narrating four things from the Prophet (ﷺ) and I appreciated them very much. He said, conveying the words of the Prophet. (1) "A woman should not go on a two day journey except with her husband or a Dhi-Mahram. (2) No fasting is permissible on two days: `Id-ul-Fitr and `Id-ul-Adha. (3) No prayer after two prayers, i.e. after the Fajr prayer till the sunrises and after the `Asr prayer till the sun sets. (4) Do not prepare yourself for a journey except to three Mosques, i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Aqsa (Jerusalem) and my Mosque."
Virtues of Prayer at Masjid Makkah and Madinah
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1197
Commentary on the Four Prohibitions
The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered these four rulings through Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri, establishing clear boundaries in matters of travel, worship, and sacred spaces. Each prohibition serves to protect the believer's faith and maintain religious order.
The Sacred Three Mosques
The restriction of journey preparation to only three mosques - Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah - highlights their exceptional status in Islam. These are the only mosques for which one may undertake a special journey seeking reward.
Al-Masjid al-Haram contains the Ka'bah, the qibla of all Muslims. Masjid al-Aqsa was the first qibla and the site of the Prophet's Night Journey. The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah gains its virtue from containing his grave and being built with his own blessed hands.
Prohibited Prayer Times
The prohibition of prayer after Fajr until sunrise and after Asr until sunset prevents prayer during times when the sun is in positions associated with pagan worship. This preserves the purity of Islamic worship and distinguishes it from practices of disbelievers.
Women's Travel Restrictions
The requirement for a mahram (unmarriageable male relative) for a woman's journey exceeding two days protects her honor and safety, in accordance with Islamic principles of modesty and social responsibility.
Prohibited Fasting Days
The prohibition of fasting on the two Eids (Fitr and Adha) ensures Muslims participate fully in the communal celebrations and expressions of gratitude to Allah, rather than engaging in individual worship during these festive occasions.