Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 98
Excellence of Adopting Different Routes for going and returning on 'Eid Prayer and various other Occasions

719. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: On the occasion of the `Eid, the Prophet  (PBUH) would proceed to the prayer place taking one route and returning from another.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The `Ulama' say that there are many subtle points of wisdom in changing the way. According to Imam An-Nawawi, this causes an increase in the places of worship. Some say that both ways will bear witness on the Day of Reckoning, that he had passed through them in a state of worship. This may also be the object that instead of one way, the needy on two ways should benefit from alms and charity.

720. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to go by way of Ash-Shajarah and return by way of Al-Mu`arras. He would also enter Makkah through the Higher Pass and would leave it through the Lower Pass.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  It was the habit of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that while going to Makkah from Al-Madinah, he would adopt the route of a shallow ravine and his return route being always a deep ravine. Ash-Shajarah is a well-known place. He would pass through it and reach Dhul-Hulaifah and spend a night there. Yet, he would proceed to Al-Madinah through Al-Mu`arras, a name given to Dhul-Hulaifah Masjid (mosque) which is six-mile away from Al-Madinah. Again this is to be concluded that while returning to our destination from any place, we should choose a different route because this was exactly the habit of the Prophet (PBUH) .