A lot is said about halaal tourism in the recent days, and rightly so for it is touching a tourism niche that is ignored for far too long now. Tourism is a concept based on enjoyment and fun; what good is it if some of the tourists are not comfortable with their surroundings or how arrangements are made for them. Around 25 percent of the world’s population and we have certain reservations when it comes to the western lifestyle that is quite dominant all over the world now. Those reservations are severe for every practicing Muslim as defying the word of God renders all of our good deeds for nothing –in this world and the hereafter. But on the other hand, none of us want to be left behind on our worldly desires as long as they are in line with our religious duties. So it’s either living on in oblivion towards our wrongdoings or trying to work it out and find a middle way for ourselves –that’s where halaal tourism comes in.
Once we recognize the need to make sure everything we do should be in accordance with Islamic values, we can look at the options we have. There are countless opportunities for us if we look at what halaal tourism has to offer. What is wrong in opting for tourist destinations that are equally good, yet they respect our cultural and religious values? Listing down the choices we get through halaal tourism is certainly a tough job, but there are quite a few destinations that we simply cannot ignore.
Topping the list would be the gorgeous Malaysia. Located next to the National Mosque in the Lake Gardens area the Islamic Arts Museum of Kuala Lumpur is a one of its kind. The vast range of Islamic artifacts that they have there are simply impossible to find together in one place apart from this museum itself. Who doesn’t know about the twin Petronas Towers, they are on the hot list of tourists from all over the world for ages! The heritage of Malaysia could not be better represented than how it is represented in the National Mosque of Malaysia also known as Masjid Negara. Imagine getting a chance to visit all this with a total surety that you will not have to face any un-Islamic customs and that all your religious concerns will be attended to, for instance five time prayers, restaurants with halaal food that do not serve alcohol and so on. All this will come under your tour package so you won’t have to arrange for it yourself.
Turkey always comes out to be a major attraction to tourists everywhere, imagine getting a chance to visit all the magnificent attractions without having to bother about bearing haram or unethical or other un-Islamic customs. Tours prepared in accordance with Islamic norms that would include segregated swimming pools, leisure areas and spa facilities. Or having a chance to go on a heritage tour to Istanbul where you could get a feeling of the old Ottoman civilization through the grandeur of their palaces and mosques. Halaal tours to Turkey even allow you to take part in sporting activities that go as far as scuba diving for women –in Islamic dress code. And if you live an upscale life you would be amused to take part in the leisure facilities offered by Turkey, the upbeat markets and luxury hotels that match your lifestyle are all up for halaal tourism with luxury villas and private swimming pools.
The aforementioned are just two destinations up for grabs while there are hundreds of other places you could head to, all in the same spirit of Islam. But even that is not where it all ends. If you are a heavy spender, go shopping to Dubai, Singapore, Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur to satisfy the shopaholic inside you! The whole world goes crazy about the shopping extravaganza going on in Dubai and Singapore, why not the Muslims themselves! Even if you are visiting the Holy cities of Mecca and Madina for your religious rituals, you could still take some timeout to visit Jeddah exclusively; another emerging market in terms of shopping.
Traveling to their desired destinations can also be a problematic thing for Muslims who want to abide by Islamic rules in lieu of halaal friendliness when it comes to eatables, prayer and ablution spaces and the general quality of service in terms of religious duties of the passengers. Surprisingly, many of the airports that are in non members of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) have shown willingness to accommodate Islamic values, for instance; the Suvarnabhumi International Airport of Bangkok, the Hong Kong International Airport and even the Manchester Airport and London Heathrow! Things are certainly looking up for those who prefer it the halaal way.
In the end, I would suggest to make a mental note for visiting a few destinations that are open to halaal in their own capacity; Krabi Island of Thailand –an amazingly surreal place that ensues seclusion and peace all the time, the Fez City in Morocco –a grand example of how the past can be kept alive, with its exquisite historic buildings and modern architecture that has kept up with them and last but not the least, Maldives and Istanbul –I need not add praises for them for they are famed enough already! I pray that God allows us to stay close to our religion no matter where we go. Amen.
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