(234) Chapter: Obligation of Jihad

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
A man sought permission from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to travel in the land. He (ﷺ) said to him, "Travel for my people is Jihad in the Cause of Allah, glory be to Him."

[Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith does not mean that touring the world is prohibited in Islam. What this Hadith really means is that when the situation calls for Jihad then the foremost priority of a Muslim should be Jihad. In such an event his passion for touring the world should yield to the spirit of Jihad against the infidels and then he must with his full force fight against the enemy. Tourism for the fun of it is disliked by Islam. However, if the purpose of touring the world is to witness the Signs of Allah, sad end of heretic communities, realities and secrets of the universe to gain knowledge of Allah's, creations, then touring is both praiseworthy and desirable, and this reason has been stressed in the Noble Qur'an at many places.