Some people may go out daily on a journey to a place that is not that far, but due to the frequency of their outings and their habit, they do not bid farewell to their families.

The questioner : The second point is that, according to what you mentioned, custom may be a factor to consider in determining whether a person is a traveler or not. Some people may have work, for example, in a nearby town like Bahrain; it may take two or three days, or they may go and return on the same day. So, in the case of this person, his family may be accustomed to him going out and coming back, so he does not bid them farewell every time, for instance, if he leaves in the morning and returns in the evening. What is his status in this situation?

The Shaykh : No problem, I ask him: Consult your heart, and if the mufti gives you a ruling, ask him. I ask him: Do you bid farewell to your family as you describe in this scenario, or do your family bid you farewell? I ask you: What is your intention regarding the journey, is it a journey or not? For example, if a person is caught off guard while saying in his heart, not in his words, and he stands facing the qiblah to pray, his brother asks: What are you going to pray? He says: The obligatory prayer, or does he say: The voluntary prayer? Why? Because he is fully prepared in his mind, he is not unaware. So, the one who wants to travel, as I said, for example, to Bahrain; brother, is your intention to travel or not? By Allah, if a person reaches a state where he does not know what his intention is, then the mufti does nothing at all.

The questioner : I mean, actually, the issue is a matter of definition; that is, the concept of travel for the person himself.

The Shaykh : We have not clarified the concept of travel. After this clarification, you should consult your heart, and if the mufti gives you a ruling; after this, not before this.