The Ruling on Going to the Desert Without Experience

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the ruling on what some people do when they go out for a picnic in the deserts, not knowing the desert paths, which causes them to get lost and perish, and for their water and food to run out? Is this permissible?

Answer:
This is not permissible. What happens is that a person goes to the desert and the mountains without knowing them. He must have experience and knowledge, and he must be prepared, because this is dangerous. How many have perished in the wilderness from thirst, from getting lost, and from hunger, due to recklessness and negligence. It is not permissible for a person to do this. Allah the Exalted said: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction.” It is not permissible for him to go to the wilderness unless he has experience and preparation. Therefore, he must have knowledge of the directions, knowledge of the towns around him, and knowledge of the roads. Yes.