Nasai

(1) The relevance of the hadith to the chapter is established in this way: after migration (hijrah), it is not permissible to take up residence in the desert (badīyah) without the permission of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

(2) This blessed hadith also indicates the patience and courage of Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ radi Allahu anhu, in that he bore with patience the disrespect of Hajjaj, and then responded to him as well. Hajjaj was a tyrannical and insolent governor during the era of Banu Umayyah. The manner in which he addressed a noble Companion like Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ radi Allahu anhu is clear evidence of his arrogance and insolence. Intoxicated by power, he forgot the distinction between the great and the small. As a result, no one remembers him with good words; rather, it even reaches the point of cursing. Disrespect conceals a person’s virtues.

(3) “Badiyah” refers to the desert region, that is, open and free areas outside of settled towns. One who lives in them is called a Bedouin (badawi) or an Arab (a‘rabi).

(4) Hajjaj’s objection was baseless. Any person can choose to reside wherever he wishes. Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ radi Allahu anhu was not among the Muhajirun (emigrants) such that he would have left Madinah to return to his former home, and thus be subject to objection. Many of the Muhajirun Companions also left Madinah and settled in other regions. Moreover, they had sought permission from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, and in the end, he (Salamah) passed away in Madinah itself. Radi Allahu anhu wa ardah.

Hadith Commentary:
The conformity between the hadith and the chapter is evident. Hazrat Salamah bin al-Akwa‘ passed away at the age of 80 in the year 74 AH (radi Allahu anhu).
Even today is a time of tribulations; everywhere, in every household, there is discord and division.
There is no sign of mutual sincerity.
In such circumstances, solitude is still the best option. Some people of the "mawlana" type take pledges of allegiance (bay‘ah) from people and present these ahadith; this is their lack of understanding.
Here, bay‘ah is contrary to what is intended, and by tribulation is meant the disintegration of the fabric of the Islamic state.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
In the time of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), if a person migrated and took up residence in a city, it was not permissible for him to leave there and go to live in the villages; such a person was likened to an apostate. Thus, it is mentioned in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) declared this act to be a cause of curse.
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, az-Zeenah, Hadith: 5105)
However, it was permissible to do so with the permission of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), as in the case of Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (radi Allahu anhu), who sought permission from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) in this regard. In times of tribulation, such an action may be taken.

➋
Even today is a time of tribulations; in every place, in every household, there is hypocrisy. The era of sincerity is nowhere to be seen, even in the farthest reaches. In such circumstances, seclusion is the most virtuous act. However, if a person, while living among people, fulfills the duty of reform and is also able to preserve his own faith, then for such a person, residing among the population is superior.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: The Muslim Ummah has consensus on this issue that it is not permissible for a Muhajir (emigrant) to leave his place of migration and return to his homeland, or to go and live in the wilderness or villages. However, due to certain reasons, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said to the people of the Aslam tribe, "Wherever you reside, you are Muhajir." Salamah bin Akwa’ (radi Allahu anhu) also belonged to this tribe, and from some narrations it is known that he had also taken special permission from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).