History has proven throughout the ages that travelling and exploration have long been a source of attaining knowledge and experience while discovering the diversity of cultures and civilizations across the world. Even before famous European travelers started making their way seven seas across, the fourteenth century witnessed the prolific travelling of revered Muslim explorers such as Ibn Battuta and Ibn Khaldun. Unbound by any constraints of time, religion, age and nationalities, travelling has thus been universal.
Today, in a fast-paced and constantly evolving world, advancing technology has brought to light, previously unexplored lands and vast areas of untapped resources, inevitably pushing man to explore more and cross horizons that have been unapproached so far.
From an Islamic perspective, it is encouraged to study and explore Allah’s SWT earth and see the bounties he has filled the earth with. In the Holy Quran Allah SWT says to the Prophet ﷺ:
Say, [O Muhammad], “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.” (29:20)
However, it is important for Muslims to consider certain requirements that should be the priority needs for anyone who plans to travel for example, the matter of Halal food and abstinence from Alcohol, accessibility of wudhu and prayer places etc.
Halal Travel & Muslim Travel
The word Halal in the Arabic language means permissible in accordance with the Islamic Law. For example, for Muslims, alcohol, pork, nudity and gambling are not allowed. Halal Travel is therefore understood as travelling to a destination where these restrictions and other Muslim needs are respected.
As the terms Halal Travel and Muslim Travel are often interpreted differently and used interchangeably, they often tend to confuse many. In most cases, Halal travel refers to the journey of a Muslim traveler who is aiming for a destination that is more or less strictly halal and sticks to the requirements of faith, for example, availability of Halal food, no alcohol, masjids in abundance, no open nudity etc. However, there are a limited number of destinations that provide a strict adherence to religion for example the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. While Muslim Tourism used to be restricted to such countries in the past, the last few decades have seen a gradual expansion to include non-Muslim countries despite global problems such as Islamophobia.
On the other side, Muslim-friendly travel as the name implies, involves countries that offer amicable reception of Muslims while generously catering to their religious needs like halal restaurants in European and other non-Muslim countries or even food places in general that have Halal meal options available. There is also more acceptance towards opening of Masjids in non-Muslim countries for easy access to a prayer place. It is also noteworthy to mention that there are a lot of convenience items available on the market that solve many issues pertaining to prayer and purity. The lack of what is commonly known as the Muslim Shower in non-Muslim countries have often bothered Muslim travelers. The ABDEEZ portable bidet has the potential to effectively solve the question of achieving purity, being a handy device for freshness-on-the-go. Finding a place to prayer where Masjids are rare is also a challenge but having something like the ABDEEZ Portable Prayer Mat, which is compact and very easy to carry, will ensure you have a clean and pure place to worship on.
This cordial acceptance has seen an upward trend these past years, barring incidents of racism and discrimination and thus Muslims are now increasingly becoming comfortable with the facilities provided by countries that are not predominantly Muslim.
Top Muslim-Friendly Travel Destinations
While every country has its own specialties to offer to their tourists with something for everyone, a select few are highlighted below because of their congeniality towards Muslims as well as ease and accessibility to halal food, prayer facilities and even security issues. These Muslim friendly countries and cities are known for their beautiful sceneries, rich historical and cultural experience, Halal food and easy access to Masjids and places to accommodate Muslims.
- South Africa Cape Town
With a sizable Muslim population, Cape Town is located at the southern end of Africa and renowned for its natural beauty, rich and diverse culture and Muslim-friendly atmosphere. With its unique geological wonders, like the Table Mountain and the interesting juxtaposition of mountains and sandy beaches, the city presents a landscape that inspires awe and wonder. There is something for everyone, even if one is not interested in exploring nature.
The ready availability of mosques in the city and Islamic centers is definitely an attractive feature for Muslim travelers, along with the abundance of Halal restaurants around the city.
- Maldives
Often shown as a sandy expanse surrounded by waters in surreal shades of turquoise blue, the Maldives islands are a class of their own when it comes to beautiful natural attractions. Maldives is known for its interesting marine life that is visible from the shore as well as the opportunities it provides for those interested in water activities.
The added attraction for Muslims is that Maldives is a Muslim country and it will not be a hardship to find amenities such as halal food and prayer facilities.
- Turkey
Turkey is another Muslim country that has been an attraction for Muslims and non-Muslims with its rich culture, ancient history and heritage. A country that has considerably made an effort to improve its tourism, Turkey has become one of the top holiday destinations for Muslims with the variety of experiences it offers for both adults and children. The country has excellent accommodation that is private and alcohol-free. There are also pools and beaches which are for women only.
One of the major attractions of Turkey is its history and culture, with sacred sites dating back to the earliest centuries. Muslims in particular have great interest in its ancient Islamic history which includes the remnants of its Muslim Caliphate.
Additionally, often dubbed as a foodie’s paradise, Turkey offers a wealth of diverse dishes from street food to luxe delicacies like the Baklava and the Turkish delight. With a wide array of culinary delights, Turkey thus offers an unforgettable experience for Muslim travellers. Regardless of whether you’re looking for scenic beauty, rich culture or exceptional food, Turkey truly has something for everyone.
- Samarkand & Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
It is no secret that the much-coveted sites of Samarkand and Bukhara have been of particular interest to ancient warriors and current historians on account of its their geographical location in the Silk Road era. While the Eurasian country has undergone tumultuous upheavals in its yesterdays, The past few years have seen a vast improvement in its Tourism, with the government making immense effort to make the country transparent to tourists, so it becomes one of the top Muslim-friendly destinations. Samarkand and Bukhara are names synonymous with Muslim intellectuals, having been home to revered scholars of Islam like Imam Al-Bukhari, the great Muhaddith. Additionally, these two cities are also UNESCO World Heritage cities with breathtaking architectural marvels, including the Registan Square and the striking Kalon Minaret.
- Dubai
Counted amongst the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Dubai offers an experience to its tourists that sets it apart from other cities. With Halal food available readily, the city boasts the best of dining, sporting, shopping and sightseeing.
From the extensive water activities around the Jumeirah Beach to a never-ending shopping experience at the Dubai Mall, Dubai has you sorted for your vacations, not to mention, the world-famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab.
Bibliography
B, K. (2023, September 12). Muslim travel 2023: 6 exciting halal-friendly holiday destinations. Holiday Tours & Travel. https://www.holidaytourstravel.com/muslim-travel/
Best Muslim friendly travel destinations to check out. HALALWEEKLY.COM. (2022, August 21). https://www.halalweekly.com/2022/08/21/muslim-friendly-travel-destinations-to-travel/
Girl, A. M. T. (2023, February 23). The difference between Halal Travel & Muslim Friendly Travel. MuslimTravelGirl. https://muslimtravelgirl.com/the-difference-between-halal-travel-muslim-friendly-travel/
Girl, A. M. T. (2023, September 16). 20 of the best Muslim countries to visit for a halal holiday. MuslimTravelGirl. https://muslimtravelgirl.com/best-muslim-countries-to-visit/
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