6/4. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 700a — Nafl Prayer on a Camel
It is permissible to offer voluntary prayers atop one’s mount when travelling, no matter what direction it is facing
Hadith About Nafl Prayer on a Camel During Travel
Sahih Muslim : 700a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 700a
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يُصَلِّي سُبْحَتَهُ حَيْثُمَا تَوَجَّهَتْ بِهِ نَاقَتُهُ .
Ibn 'Umar Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say Nafl prayer on (the back of) his camel in whatever direction it took him.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 700aIn-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 41USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1497
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 700a
This hadith about Nafl prayer on a camel shows a simple act from the travel prayer of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Ibn Umar reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to offer his voluntary prayer while riding his camel, and he would continue in whatever direction the camel turned. The text focuses on Nafl prayer, not the obligatory prayer. It shows that worship was not left behind during travel, even when the person was moving. For people searching for praying on a camel hadith or voluntary prayer while travelling, the message is clear: the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم kept extra prayer connected to his journey in a practical way, without stopping the ride for every direction change.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم offered Nafl prayer while riding during travel.
- The direction of the camel did not stop him from praying this voluntary prayer.
- The report speaks about voluntary prayer, so it should not be mixed with obligatory prayer details not stated here.
