muslim travel countries

11 Stunning Muslim Countries That Everyone Needs To Visit

A wise dude once said that everyone is wrong about other countries, and pretty much every traveller in the world nodded in agreement. Sigh... No, Colombia is not full of drug dealers, Africa isn't all about Ebola and Dubai isn't really a country, so I can't even.... As travellers, we often have to defend our choices to visit certain countries. Some of the most misinformed myths in the world are about Muslim nations – about how travelling to any Muslim country is always dangerous, violent and unsafe for travellers.

Absurd generalisations about the Muslim world are unfortunately increasingly taking over. A lot of it comes from geographical ignorance (Arabia isn't a country either, FYI) and a persistent trend of misinformation worldwide.

As travellers, we know that we know nothing about other countries, and the only way to get started is to go see the world for yourself. Needless to say, Muslim countries are as diverse as Muslims themselves. Here's a list of some of the most beautiful Muslim countries in the world that need to be on your bucket list.

Note: All data on safety/danger is based on the latest UN report on Intentional Homicides. I have used the United States of America to index the level of mortal danger in these countries, and to illustrate a point. The report and the information in the article doesn't include danger from petty crime, theft and tourist scams. Or sharks.

Albania, a small country with a big heart

Muslim population: 58.8%

An exceptionally well-kept Balkan secret, Albania is an entire roster of attractions – everything from snowcapped mountains, to warm, glittering beaches; a bustling, cosmopolitan capital and a strong Islamic heritage. Albania has a remarkable and largely incongruous history of benevolence and acceptance. Albanian Muslims famously stood up for the Jews against the Nazis during the Holocaust, and every single Jewish refugee who came to Albania survived.

Why you should visit Albania : Because the secret is quickly getting out. Albania's beaches and mountains have been attracting a small, select bunch of travellers for years, which meant low prices and secluded places. This might soon change, so you might want to hurry up.

How dangerous is it? Unsurprisingly, Albania is actually safer than the United States ( citation ).

Neha Chauhan has been to Albania. Read everything about her trip here .

Indonesia, pretty much everyone's favourite tropical paradise

Muslim population: 87.2%

Not trying to be condescending, but a lot of people don't realise that Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country. Pretty much the stock-photo of a tropical paradise, Indonesia's islands, beaches and cultural attractions draw millions of travellers every year. Religious diversity is part of Indonesia's fascinating heritage; more than 200 religions are practiced in the country, including Hinduism, Christianity and Confucianism. The diversity is prominently visible in the country's many monuments, mosques, temples and vernacular architecture.

Why you should visit Indonesia : Orang-utans! And volcanoes, beaches, surfing, nightlife, food, architecture and probably the world's best diving scene.

How dangerous is it? - A lot safer than the US . But there have been eight different incidents related to terrorism in the past decade, most of them on the island of Java. So travellers are advised to be cautious. However, Indonesia continues to remain a major backpacker magnet and the island of Bali is a major honeymoon destination.

Read about real travellers who've been to Indonesia.

Morocco, a cross-continental marvel

Muslim population: 99%

Few countries have the kind of appeal that Morocco musters. There's a bit of Europe in its large African heart; Moroccans speak both French and Arabic and enjoy their wine as much as their sheesha . Morocco is both desert and sea, both urban and nomadic; mesmerising, almost to a fault. Islam lies at the foundation of Morocco's contemporary life and is one of the cities like Marrakesh and Fes offer one of the world's most beautiful displays of Islamic architecture.

Why you should visit Morocco : If you have to ask, you are probably new to the wanderlust community. Morocco is one of the world's most fascinating countries with unbelievably beautiful, bustling cities, amazing food, beaches, snowy mountains and sandy desert.

How dangerous is it? Not at all. Morocco is almost four times safer than the United States. No travel warnings have been issued for Morocco in the history of travel warnings.

Read about real travellers who've been to Morocco.

Kosovo, one of the world's newest countries

Muslim population: 95.6%

Kosovo emerged from one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent history to become the world's newest country in 2008. Their claim to sovereignty is still debated, but Kosovo is recognised by more than a 100 countries. Travellers have consistently labelled Kosovo as one of the friendliest countries on the planet. The tiny landlocked country is picturesque in a characteristic Eastern-European sort of a way with idyllic villages, sprawling countryside and historic cities.

Why you should visit Kosovo : Nicholas, a Tripoto regular, has this to say about Kosovo

"Since the first moment after we got off the bus we were surprised, walking through the stoned streets felt absolutely lovely, everybody smiled and greeted us as we passed by. It was evident we were foreigners and the locals were quite delighted every time visitors from outside came after the long years of war. I guess I can better summarize it with the warm and happy feeling I got after I was standing on the curb, waiting to cross the street, and an old man with kindness in his eyes gently looked at me and along his warm smile he gave me a very soft pad on the back as saying “we are very happy that you are here”.

Read Nicholas' full article : The war is over: Prizren (Kosovo)

How dangerous is it? Due to its geography, a little. But tourism in Kosovo has been without incident in the history of the country's existence. Overall, Kosovo isn't any more dangerous than other countries in Asia, but travel to Northern Kosovo is generally advised against..

Iran, the most misunderstood country in the world

Muslim Population: 99.7%

Iran's reputation in the media pretty much justifies the intent of this article. Anyone who's travelled to Iran (I haven't yet) raves about the hospitality, the food and the diversity of Iran. The country leaves quite an impression, especially due to the image that is so often associated with Iran.

Why you should visit Iran: For perspective. And the mountains. The last remaining vestige of Persian culture. The dolphins of Queshm, the mausoleums of Shiraz, the waterfalls and hot springs. Just look how pretty Iran is.

Here's what Josh Cahill , an avid travel blogger on Tripoto, has to say about his trip to Iran:

"The most common perception about Iran is that it is filled with terrorists and rebels and chances are that you will come back with a bullet wound on you. That is Bullshit! Iran is probably the most inviting country in the world and its people the nicest I have ever met in my entire life. A Persian person is the perfect human being and makes us Europeans, Americans especially and perhaps Australians look like terrorists. I can vouch for that."

Read Josh's full article: Hitchhiking In Iran: The Road Less Traveled

How dangerous is it? As far as mortal safety is concerned, there is zilch to worry about. But travelling to Iran can make travel to some other countries difficult. The United States recently imposed a temporary travel ban (now overturned) on people flying from Iran (and six other Muslim countries), which might complicate matters for international travel. According to the UN report, Iran's average homicide rate is 4.8 per 100,000 people, only slightly more than the US (4.62 per 100,000).

Jordan, a place unlike anywhere else

Muslim population: 93.8%

The towering Wadis of Jordan, and the ancient cities nestled within them, are an earthly marvel unlike any other. Jordan's history spans millennia, and the country is blessed with some of the world's most enduring monuments and cities. Dead Sea borders Jordan on the south, framing the country with a jaw-dropping coastline.

Jordan is also among the wealthier countries of the world. The locals are affluent, although the strain from the recent influx of refugees from Syria is visible along its Western border towns.

Why you should visit Jordan: Oh, so much. The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Petra, the Biblical history.

Read real travel stories from people who've been to Jordan.

How dangerous is it? Jordan is actually a lot safer than the United States, and many other travel-friendly countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, according to the UN report . But there was an attack in the city of Karak in December 2016. However, travellers have since continued to visit Jordan without incident.

Maldives, the most romantic place in the world

Muslim population: 100%

The fact that Maldives is an Islamic country, escapes most people's attention. Everybody's favourite honeymoon destination, Maldives and romance have almost become annoyingly inseparable. But Maldives is more than its luxury resorts and their private beaches. There are more than 200 inhabited islands in Maldives, of which most are quite unexplored.

Why you should visit Maldives: A lot in Maldives is tailor-made for couples looking for a romantic getaway, but the country is a gorgeous delight for any beach lover, and who isn't one? The diving and snorkelling is fantastic, with some of the most vibrant reefs and atolls on the planet.

How dangerous is it? Ummm...Please.

Been to Maldives? Share your travel story here.

Turkey, where east meets west

Muslim Population: 98.6%

Turkey has always kinda been the poster-child of progressive Muslim countries and one of the biggest reasons is the influx of tourists from Europe, who flock its beaches and monuments by the millions and see for themselves what a Muslim country actually looks like. Although, Turkey has been prone to unpredictable violence in recent times, but large parts of it (especially in the south) continue to remain popular with travellers.

Why you should visit Turkey: For the culture, the food, the beaches and the history. Turkish hamams , Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pammukkale, Antalya and, of course, Istanbul.

How dangerous is it? Conflict in Syria, and trouble with Kurdis and ISIS has contributed to violence in recent years, and a lot of countries have issued travel warnings for Turkey. Travellers in Turkey should be careful due the threat of suicide bombings and terrorist attacks. But despite the warnings, tourism in Turkey remains steady-ish, considering.

Mayotte, the one you've probably never heard of

Muslim population: 98.8%

Where? Mayotte is a tiny island nation in the Indian ocean, quite close to Madagascar in Africa. Picture perfect, gorgeous and wonderfully diverse, the people of this tiny island nation speak four different languages. The country is an overseas territory of France, and is governed under the French law and primarily caters to luxury travellers, a vast majority of whom are French nationals, especially on Grand-Terre, the main island.

Why you should visit Mayotte: For a decadent French-African island adventure.

How dangerous is it? Let's just not worry about that here. Extremely, extremely safe.

Already been to Mayotte? Awesome! Share your travel story here.

Pakistan, the one everyone warns you about

Muslim population: 96.4%

I am gonna get flak for for this, but whatever.

Violence in parts of Pakistan makes travel and safety quite unpredictable. But the country remains on the bucket list of travellers around the world, including yours truly. The mountains and valleys of the Karakoram range are some of the most beautiful places on the planet, and continue to attract trekkers and travellers. Pakistan is also blessed with sprawling desert, pre-historic civilisation and a largely unexplored coastline.

Why you should visit Pakistan: Pakistan can be difficult to travel to. But anyone who's made it there, reports back with unforgettable experiences. A lot of the Pakistani countryside is largely unexplored, especially in the south. The Karakoram range rivals the Himalayas in scale and allure and the street-food is legendary, especially in Lahore.

How dangerous is it? Globally, there is a general travel advisory regarding travel to Pakistan. Terrorist activity, drone strikes and religious persecution make travel quite risky. However parts of Pakistan, such as Hunza Valley are considered safe to travel to. Here's what Christian, who recently drove through Pakistan, has to say about Northern Pakistan:

"Northern Pakistan is extremely safe, it is even safer than most of Europe these days. The locals are very welcoming and open minded, I got invited for food, tea and even the local moonshine everywhere I walked."

Read the rest of Christian's travelogue here.

Kazakhstan, the paradise in Central Asia

Muslim population: 70.2%

You've probably heard about Kazakhstan, likely very recently because this hidden Central Asian gem has now emerged from obscurity and entered the travel circuit. Welcoming, progressive and unexplored, it ticks all the boxes for those seeking offbeat experiences and unexpected surprises, such as the nightlife in city of Astana and the futuristic skyline of Almaty.

Why you should visit Kazakhsthan: For Tian Shan, where the mountains are wild and the scenery will blow your brains.

How dangerous is it? Kazakhstan is peaceful, but violent crimes (not related to religious extremism) are higher than the global average, and also higher than the US. But for travellers, their's nothing to worry about.

There are 48 countries in the world with a majority Muslim population. Not included in this list are several tourism hotspots such as Malaysia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain. There's no real justification for judging a country based on its religion, or judge followers of a global religion without context.

I hope this list provides some breadth to the discussion about Muslim countries. Please feel free to join in the discussion in the comment section below, or share your own experiences with the community on Tripoto.

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5 Tips for Traveling in a Muslim-Majority Country During Ramadan

Daily life slows down a bit, but traveling to a muslim country during ramadan allows you to be charitable, meet gracious locals, and taste some seriously good food..

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Ramadan is observed March 10 to April 9, 2024.

Photo by Ishaq Madan

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, with days reserved for introspection and evenings for socializing with family and friends. Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar, Ramadan naturally falls 11 days earlier each year. In 2024, it is observed from March 10 to April 9. For non-Muslims traveling to Indonesia, Egypt , or another Muslim-majority country during Ramadan, follow this guide to get closer with the people, food, and culture during your travels.

1. Research the way Ramadan is celebrated

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which it’s believed the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so it shifts a bit each year as measured by the Gregorian calendar. While Ramadan is March 10 to April 9 this year, it will be from February 28 to March 30 in 2025. (Note that the exact dates can vary by a day or two, depending on when the new moon is sighted and how you determine “start” and “end.”)

How Ramadan is observed around the world varies, so travelers should research local laws and practices in advance. “Some countries are closed to visitors during Ramadan while others are more welcoming,” says Anissa Helou, cookbook author, teacher, and chef who specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. In some places, like in Dubai , eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is not allowed, whether you are observing the fast or not. In others, like Istanbul , it’s more tolerated. Check things like whether restaurants are open during the day and the availability of alcohol. Bear in mind that the time between sunrise and sunset is a lot longer during the summer.

Ramadan is also an ideal time to connect with local culture by supporting your host country. One of the best ways to learn about a region’s customs is by hiring a local guide. During Ramadan, guides can provide information on the traditional food and practices and ways to observe Ramadan as the locals do. Support those in need by cooking an iftar meal with Resala in Egypt, donating food or clothes to Ajialouna Organization in Lebanon, or contacting another established NGO to volunteer.

2. Respect the practices

Ramadan is a period of devotion, reflection, and charity. The most obvious manifestation of this will be the fast, which is one of the five pillars of Islam . People observing the fast will not eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Particularly devout practitioners may even avoid swallowing their own saliva.

As a visitor, you will not be expected to fast (though you may if you want). However, you should be mindful of consuming (or even displaying) food and drink in public during the day, regardless of your destination’s actual laws. It’s common-sense respect: If not a drop or morsel had passed your lips for hours, you wouldn’t want to have someone merrily guzzling right in your face. Watch what nonfasting locals do, and follow suit.

Many places, especially touristy ones or where there is a large nonobservant population, will have restaurants open and serving during the day, though they may not be flaunting it. Hotels often offer private dining options for visitors. Everywhere is different.

During Ramadan, Muslims will also try to avoid all forms of sinful behavior, such as evil thoughts or false speech. It’s therefore respectful to conduct yourself in a similarly restrained manner, moderating your language and behavior and dressing modestly: Long pants and a top that covers your shoulders (and midriff) will do the trick. Likewise, public intoxication is a no-no.

3. Relax, because business slows down

Many restaurants, government entities, and even some tourism sites operate on reduced hours or may be closed entirely during Ramadan. Don’t plan on getting much done just before or after sunset, when people break their fast with the evening meal, iftar. Before this, everything grinds to a halt as everyone is either at home or heading there (or to wherever else they are breaking their fast). And if you do need to go somewhere and are lucky enough to find a taxi, prepare for the ride of your life as the hangry driver speeds home to their family. Afterwards, everyone is in a blissful post-iftar food coma for a while. From a traveler’s point of view, all this is fine as long as you plan your day in advance.

4. Respond to iftar invitations

If all this sounds rather dour, think again. Sure, Ramadan is a time of sustained religiosity, and the fast is tough, but it’s also a time of intense joy, camaraderie, and affirmation. People often break their fast at communal public tables (sometimes provided by richer members of society for the poorer).

Although all are welcome to attend public iftars, it’s relatively common to be invited to a private iftar. “Being invited to share iftar in people’s homes is a sign of friendship and respect,” says Helou, and it allows you to experience this holy time in an intimate, authentic way. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been fasting or not. There are plenty of savory dishes, sweet treats, and conversation to go around, and though visitors are not expected to bring a gift for the host, dates or desserts are a nice way to show your appreciation. At the end of the month, Eid al-Fitr breaks the monthlong fast with an elaborate feast, classy dress, and gift-giving.

5. Rejoice and get into the festive spirit

During Ramadan, nights are where the real action lies. Iftar acts like a pressure valve, and once people have broken the fast, the streets come alive. While some people spend time reading the Quran or praying at the mosque, others will visit family and friends and, of course, eat and drink some more. Sometimes, feasting lasts until the early morning. Where you are will determine how festive it feels, but there will usually be something going on. As a visitor, this is a wonderful time—and a privilege—to be out and about, soaking up the atmosphere and sharing a little of what makes this month so special to more than a billion people around the world.

This article originally appeared online in 2015; it was most recently updated on March 11, 2024, to include current information.

From DIY pilgrimages to halal restaurant tips: how this travel blogger built a community of Muslim travelers

Jan 21, 2022 • 6 min read

Elena Nikolova (pictured) has spent years building a resource for Muslim travelers who are looking for relevant information and good deals.

Elena Nikolova converted to Islam in 2009. Four years later, she channeled her wanderlust into a new endeavor: helping other Muslims travel the world.

On one of Elena Nikolova’s first trips as a Muslim, she realized travel for her had changed forever. Visiting Bulgaria from the United Kingdom , she saw how her new halal diet was at odds with her pork-heavy, Bulgarian-Greek upbringing. It wasn’t long before Nikolova also noticed she was getting extra checks at the airport and more attention once she landed because of her hijab.

“I realized that whether we wanted it or not, there is prejudice against those who wear a hijab,” Nikolova said. “I realized that kind of puts Muslims off traveling.” 

Since she converted to Islam in 2009, Nikolova has worked to make travel more accessible and comfortable for Muslims. A lover of deals, she began to share cheap fares and travel hacks on social media to encourage others in her new community to travel too. As a student in the UK, she often booked the longest layovers possible on her way back home to Greece just so she could explore new places. 

An online forum for advocating Muslim travel 

Upon the urging of a friend, Nikolova transformed her expertise into the blog Muslim Travel Girl in 2013, with the goal of helping Muslims travel while being confident in their identities and without breaking the bank. Right away, she started receiving questions related to airport security and whether certain countries were welcoming to Muslims. Her readers, mostly based in North America and Europe , were apprehensive. One of Muslim Travel Girl’s most popular videos , for example, is on navigating airports as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman.

Building a comfort zone

“Throughout the past seven years, we've gone through [issues with] the media and Muslims, and the hijab and problems with women traveling,” she said. “The whole point of a Muslim travel blog is to help and encourage those people, to give them the resources to actually find destination information.” 

While other resources exist, Nikolova says it was especially hard to find information that spoke directly to the experience of traveling as a Muslim when she started the blog. “Even though travel [for Muslims] in general is not so different, we have some differences, like [needing] places to pray or [specific] food to eat,” she said. “Not every Muslim needs these, but it should be there.”

A recent survey found  the availability of halal food and prayer facilities among the most cited faith-based needs of Muslim travelers. Since 9/11, many Muslim travelers say they’ve faced discrimination at airports and on airplanes, ranging from extra security searches and intense questioning by airport staff to unexplainable visa troubles and hostility from fellow passengers.

The 'halal tourism' boom

At the same time, the Muslim-friendly travel market, or “halal tourism” as some call it, has been booming. The industry caters to Muslim travelers looking for destinations that meet their faith-based needs, be it a place to pray, alcohol-free hotels or women-only pools and spas. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was estimated that by 2026, 230 million Muslim tourists would travel, locally and abroad, up from 98 million in 2010. By that time, Muslim travelers were expected to inject $300 billion into the global economy. With COVID-19, it’s now estimated it will take until 2023 to return to the same levels of Muslim tourists seen in 2019. 

Nikolova attributes this increase in Muslim travelers to the global aspirations of younger Muslims, more disposable income and the persuasive power of social media. With more travelers, she says, has also come more blogs on Muslim-friendly travel, more interest from big brands and companies, conferences on the topic, and travel agencies like Halalbooking.com . 

From credit card rewards to dinner recommendations

As the demographic makeup of Muslim travelers has changed, so has what Nikolova’s readers want. While initially some of Muslim Travel Girl’s most popular and requested posts were on the practicalities of traveling as a Muslim, she says now that more Muslims are traveling, the interest has shifted to what destinations to visit, insider travel tips and halal food recommendations in those places. One of their most popular topics is advice on DIY Umrah , so travelers can take the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca without using a travel agent or expensive tour package. 

Bassam Ansari, who is based in Saudi Arabia , first discovered Muslim Travel Girl in 2013 through a friend. He says he often visits the site for its hotel and flight deals and has saved significant money through the site’s advice, which he finds to be personable and genuine.

“Using her reviews and travel advice I have found the best possible hotel options in quite a few different destinations,” he said. For example, Ansari says he saved 70 percent on the cost of a standard hotel room in Mecca during Ramadan, finding a room for $300 instead of the usual $1,000, because of Nikolova’s advice on how to effectively buy and use hotel reward points.

Small changes that make a big difference

Nikolova, who splits her time between Saudi Arabia and the UK, says Muslim Travel Girl is now one of the largest Muslim-friendly blogs in the West. She works on it full-time and also offers consultancy services to hotels and resorts on how to be more accommodating to Muslim guests. Even simple changes like providing soft drinks, non-alcoholic wine or fresh fruit in a welcome package, instead of wine, which is customary in places like Greece, can make a big difference in making someone feel more comfortable, she says. 

“It's important to feel safe when you travel and that your needs as a Muslim traveler are taken care of. This is why I'm passionate about…working with hotels in the industry to provide more facilities and more knowledge for Muslims,” she said. “Every destination should be Muslim friendly.”

Having converted to Islam as an adult, Nikolova says she is able to identify with both non-Muslims and Muslims, and that sense of empathy helped in the initial stages of writing Muslim Travel Girl. She says her expertise hasn’t been questioned because she converted to the religion, instead of being born into it, though she can understand that point of view.

“When you are writing about something that is on a specific inclusivity, whether it's halal travel or whether it is accessibility travel, you have to have a basic understanding and principles in order to be accurate in your writing,” she said. “For me, I'm a Muslim, I'm a travel expert, and I have that knowledge because I've worked and lived that life for the past 10 years.” 

Travel opens your mindset

Part of why travel is so important, Nikolova says, is because it can counter misconceptions and prejudice. When she converted to Islam, for instance, her Greek Orthodox parents were not happy about it. But after she and her mother traveled to numerous countries together, including her mother spending a year in Doha, Qatar when Nikolova’s daughter was born, things changed. 

“It's one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about traveling and encouraging Muslims to travel, because you open your mindset,” Nikolova said. “Traveling brings us closer. You wouldn't know your neighbor if you didn’t talk to them. It's the same thing with going and exploring a different city; you wouldn't meet locals and talk to them if you didn't visit.” 

You might also like: Hajj Diaries: returning home How Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan during the pandemic Hajj Diaries: performing the Hajj

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

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Traveling to a Muslim Country During Ramadan? Here’s What You Need to Know.

R amadan comes around once every year, and it’s an additional consideration travelers may need to think about depending on what country they’re visiting. While you may have plans to travel to certain destinations that partake in Ramadan, it’s culturally respectful to fully understand what the month is and how you can be a good traveler in these countries.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar and happens once a year. The tradition of Ramadan dates back thousands of years and is also the fourth pillar of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunup to sundown, in addition to reading the entire Qu’ran in 30-days and extending prayers. It’s considered the holiest month due to its purpose of building and seeking God-consciousness while also being a month where Muslims try to find ways to be extremely charitable, feed others, and increase their acts of kindness in words and actions. At the end of the 30-days, Muslims celebrate a three-day holiday called Eid al-Fitr, or the “festival of breaking the fast.”

What to expect

Ramadan is a much more subdued time of year for predominantly Muslim countries. If you’re used to the bustling energy of a country like Egypt, expect to see less people on the streets than normal. In addition, the call to prayer will be something you will readily hear five times a day over outdoor loudspeakers, which is typical for Muslim countries.

Are you expected or required to fast? No. However, if you were to ever have empathy for people, trying it out will show you just how difficult it can be for people’s sleep patterns and accomplish their normal day-to-day tasks. Understand that while these countries are majority Muslim, many are also Christian, Buddhist, and many other faiths that don’t fast for Ramadan. For destinations that highly depend on tourism, such as the Maldives, tour operators, vendors, and restaurants will operate business as usual, but plan for some business to only be in operation in the evening once the fast is broken.

How to be a respectful tourist

Ramadan is an extremely vigorous month and in countries that are hot or humid, imagine how you’d feel fasting from food and water and still having to work through the entire day.

Here’s how to be a respectful tourist during Ramadan:

Offer grace: People will not have the same energy and vigor due to a heightened feeling of tiredness. Be less demanding and more accommodating because Ramadan is not easy, but you don’t have to make it harder.

Tip more: Many of the Muslims that are fasting but work in the service industry are showing up because you are present, so if you’d normally tip 10-15%, double it to show your gratitude.

Feed people: There are many countries where there are people much less fortunate than you who do not have the ability to get jobs that make livable wages. Ramadan is a time when everyone focuses on feeding each other to retain blessings. So if you have leftovers you may not finish or want to buy a meal for someone, that level of charity goes a long way during this time.

Follow a more modest dress code: Modesty doesn’t require you to be completely covered head to toe, but to ensure that your arms, legs, and chest are covered. This is a holy month, so if you’re out and about in the street and not on a resort, just be mindful of showing respect through how you’re dressed.

Remember, you don’t have to be Muslim to have manners and show gratitude for the privilege of traveling to places during Ramadan. Enter your travels, during the month, with patience and just be a gracious guest.

Countries that are predominantly Muslim

Here’s a list of countries that are predominantly Muslim, to get an idea of expectations you should have before traveling to them:

Islam as state religion

• Afghanistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Population majority Muslim (but separation of religion and state)

• Burkina Faso
• Northern Cyprus
• Turkmenistan

Majority Muslim population

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Sierra Leone

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What you need to know when travelling during Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, but how do you navigate travelling during this time and should you be travelling at all? 

Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe God first spoke to the Prophet Muhammad; when the community won its very first battle and when Muhammad returned triumphant to Mecca in 630 CE.

In the month of Ramadan, Muslims enter a period of pious abstinence during the day, fasting from sunrise until sunset, and engage in fervent worship through the night. As a result, many Muslim-majority countries adjust their societal norms accordingly. So, what is it like to travel to these places in Ramadan, and should we travel to them during this month? Here are the answers to key questions on travellers’ minds.

How do I know when Ramadan starts?

Every year Ramadan falls on a different date in the Gregorian calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the actual cycle of the moon and so the start date is only confirmed the night before when the new moon has been sighted. Even then, regional differences mean Muslims often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days. For example, while many Sunni Muslim countries will follow the announcement by Saudi Arabia, some will go with their own domestic sighting, so it’s important to check locally if you’re trying to avoid the month or are seeking it out.

Can I eat in public during daylight hours?

This all depends on what kind of Muslim area you’re travelling to. If it’s a place in a Muslim country with a religiously mixed community, like Sarajevo in Bosnia or a place used to hosting non-Muslim tourists throughout the year, like Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, then yes, this is fine. However, when travelling through Muslim-majority communities that are not mixed or unfamiliar with tourism, it’s best to eat and drink behind closed doors during the day.

Can I consume alcohol (and what about soft drinks)?

Where the community is mixed or used to serving non-Muslim tourist traffic, the bars will most likely be open and function as normal. In areas where the community is largely Muslim or unfamiliar with tourists, such as the Muslim-majority state of Pattani in southern Thailand, it’s unlikely you’ll even be able to source alcohol there and, if you do, as with eating in public, it’s advisable to drink it behind closed doors.  

Will every Muslim be fasting?

While fasting is an obligation for every able adult Muslim, those that are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating or travelling don’t have to fast. However, even these Muslims will be respectful in areas where everyone appears to be fasting by not eating or drinking outside during daylight hours.

What should I be wearing and is it any different to any other time of the year?

No, you should wear whatever you would expect to be wearing in your destination based on your research, as there are no specific changes to the way Muslims dress during Ramadan. However, some may choose to dress more conservatively because of the pious mindsight they’ll be adopting during the month.

Are tourist attractions, shops and restaurants open?

Muslim-majority towns and cities will make a noticeable shift in the working hours of most businesses during Ramadan. However, to which degree will again largely depend on the kind of Muslim area you’re travelling to. For example, in Muslim-majority Tunisia somewhere like Kairouan, a very holy city not on the popular tourist trail, will appear sleepier and slower during the day with most local businesses opening and closing much later than usual (if at all). Meanwhile, almost nothing may change for travellers visiting the Tunisian tourist hotspot of Sidi Bou Said, during Ramadan.

Will I be allowed to visit mosques, shrines or Sufi lodges (sacred religious spaces separate from the mosque) during Ramadan?

Once the sun sets, places of worship will be heaving with people during Ramadan and this will continue right through to the early hours of the morning. In the multi-religious and tourist savvy places, it may be possible to join an iftar — the meal to break the fast — for free at a large mosque, but otherwise the ideal time to visit places of worship will be between dhuhr (midday) and asr (mid-afternoon) prayers. This is because the caretakers of these spaces will be resting in the early part of the day following lengthy prayers late into the previous night. That said, many larger mosques and spaces of worship in tourist cities, such as Istanbul, may open as normal during the early part of the day.

What regional differences can I expect during Ramadan?

Each region will have its own distinct Ramadan foods, be they sickly sweet jalebis across the subcontinent, delicious mercimek çorbası   (lentil   soup) in Anatolia or filling koshari in Egypt. In Bosnia, many large mosques host live Qur’anic recitations where locals gather to listen during the day, while in Malaysia the mouthwatering iftar buffets at hotels are legendary. Meanwhile, the nights across the Gulf are filled with shrieking crowds watching nocturnal neighbourhood football tournaments and in Algeria it’s the sound of traditional chaabi and ma’luf music you’ll hear drifting out of local theatres playing host to special late night Ramadan concerts.

How might I experience Ramadan best as a tourist?

With night effectively turning to day, if you do intend to travel to a Muslim-majority place during Ramadan, do what the locals do. Sleep in the early part of the day and stay up late into the night, revelling in the festive atmosphere of town centres and around large mosques, before eating the delicious and unique Ramadan foods and heading out to either watch a raucous local cup final in a Jeddah neighbourhood, or join a concert in Constantine.

Related Topics

• RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• ISLAMIC WORLD

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The Rise of Halal Tourism

Muslims now make up one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry. In response, hotels and tour operators are increasingly trying to meet their dietary and religious needs.

By Debra Kamin

For one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global travel industry, there is no pork on the hotel dinner menus. There are flights with no alcohol on the drink carts, resorts with separate swimming pools for men and women, and daily itineraries with built-in break times for the five daily calls to prayer.

Since 2016, the number of Muslim travelers has grown nearly 30 percent, and a recent joint study by Mastercard and Crescent Rating , a research group that tracks halal-friendly travel, projects that over the next decade that sector’s contribution to the global economy will jump to $300 billion from $180 billion. With a population that is disproportionately young, educated and upwardly mobile, they are one of the fastest-growing demographics on the global tourism scene.

But this wasn’t always the case.

In 2015 , Soumaya Hamdi went roadtripping through Asia with her husband and her then 4-month-old baby. The trio visited Singapore and Malaysia, and then caught a flight to South Korea and on to Japan. The trip was thrilling, but Ms. Hamdi and her husband, who are both observant Muslims, found the daily search for halal-certified food a difficult one.

Ms. Hamdi, who is based in London, began blogging about the best Muslim-friendly restaurants she found, as well as prayer facilities and sites that were particularly welcoming for a family with a young baby. Those musings turned into Halal Travel Guide , an online platform offering tips, recommendations and curated itineraries for Muslim travelers.

Her timing was right.

“In Europe the Muslim community is now in its third or fourth generation. They are educated and have good paying jobs,” said Ufuk Secgin, chief marketing officer for Halal Booking , a Muslim-focused vacation search engine. “For the first generation, their idea of a holiday was visiting the family in the home country. This has changed.”

At ITB Asia this October, a leading travel show held in Singapore, organizers partnered with two halal travel authorities, Crescent Rating and Halal Trip , to offer specialized panel discussions and showcases targeting the estimated 156 million Muslims who will book travel between now and 2020.

At the heart of much of the discussion was matters of the belly. For Muslim travelers, “the number one factor is good quality halal food,” Ms. Hamdi said in an email exchange. “I’m not talking about curry or biryani — I’m talking about authentic local food that is halal. After that, it’s usually prayer facilities.”

Tourists’ global demand for halal food has grown so much, in fact, that Have Halal Will Travel , a Singapore-based online community for Muslim travelers, has also partnered with ITB Asia with a three-hour conference and special booth space focusing on foodie-centric outreach to the Muslim tourism sector.

Like Halal Travel Guide , Have Halal Will Travel was founded in 2015. Today, their content reaches 9.1 million users each month, according to their founder, Mikhael Goh. Mr. Goh dreamed up the site with three friends while studying abroad in Seoul; he found himself frustrated on a daily basis with a lack of information about where to find quality halal food.

“We were thinking, why is it in 2015, when there is Yelp and TripAdvisor and so many popular apps and services to tell you where to eat and where to travel, why on earth is there so little information for Muslims?” Mr. Goh said in a phone interview. “Not just about food — yes, halal food is the basis of a lot of things, but also about safety and prayer. There was a general lack of information out there and the information that did exist was so fragmented.”

Only a handful of years later, that gap in the market is now teeming with niche sites, many of them written specifically for young Muslim women. At Passport and Plates , the Los Angeles-based blogger Sally Elbassir chronicles her global foodie adventures where pork and alcohol are always off the menu; at Arabian Wanderess , Esra Alhamal writes about traveling as a female, Muslim millennial on a budget; and at the popular Muslim Travel Girl , run by the Bulgaria-born, Britain-based Elena Nikolova, readers can learn about Muslim-friendly honeymoon resorts with private pools and get tips for a D.I.Y. Umrah (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca).

Many of the bloggers interviewed for this article echoed the same sentiment: Their goal is not just to make it easier for Muslim travelers to find food, prayer spaces and alcohol-free activities that appeal to them. It’s also to support those travelers to branch out of their comfort zones and feel empowered exploring the world.

“We specialize in pushing people to non-Muslim majority countries,” said Mr. Goh. “The most popular destinations we work on are Japan and Korea. Our audience is young — 25 to 30 years old — and very influenced by K-pop and Instagram, so we write a lot about how welcoming those places are.”

Ms. Hamdi of Halal Travel Guide agreed. “We encourage Muslims to seek culturally immersive travel experiences outside of the traditional Muslim-friendly destinations such as Dubai and Morocco,” she said. “Muslims are looking for added value to their trips — from private beaches where women can bathe without men to disturb them, and more than this, trips that offer the Muslim traveler the chance to experience something completely different.”

Follow NY Times Travel on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . Get weekly updates from our Travel Dispatch newsletter, with tips on traveling smarter, destination coverage and photos from all over the world.

Indonesia and Malaysia Share Top Spot in Global Muslim Travel Index 2023

09:34 am | 04 July 2023

Indonesia and Malaysia are the top destinations for Muslim travelers in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 . The annual report analyzes data across nearly 140 countries to offer insights into which destinations best meet the needs of the growing halal travel segment.

According to the GMTI, Muslim international arrivals hit 110 million in 2022 and are forecast to reach 140 million this year. By 2028, Muslim arrivals are expected to reach 230 million, with projected expenditure of $225 billion. Currently, Asia leads the way for arrivals, with more than 31% of all travelers to this region identifying as Muslim.

Indonesia and Malaysia, which scored equally in the index this year, have long been popular destinations for Muslim tourists. Indonesia topped the ranking in the 2019 report, while Malaysia has been at the forefront of the GMTI since 2015. Singapore ranked 12th, making it only one of two countries (along with the United Kingdom) outside of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to rank in the top 20.

Travel trends

The index assesses destinations across four key criteria: Access, Communications, Environment, and Services (ACES). Southeast Asian destinations ranked among the top 10 on all four of these criteria, while in the aggregate, Indonesia and Malaysia both scored 73 (out of a possible 100), Singapore scored 64, Thailand achieved a score of 52, and the Philippines, 46.

The report noted that changes in global travel behaviors can also be found among Muslim travelers. They are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their travel; opting for destinations and activities to improve their health and wellness; finding opportunities for immersive experiences and authenticity; and incorporating personal development into their travel plans.

“While by no means a monolith, Muslim travelers are often looking for their travel plans to align with certain faith-oriented criteria, such as availability of halal foods, rooms for prayer, and encouraging communications and messaging from destinations,” said Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO, CrescentRating. “Over the years we’ve conducted this research, we’ve consistently seen markets that prioritize these requirements perform well among Muslim travelers, and so it is our hope that the 2023 edition offers insights that will allow destinations to garner more understanding, more inclusivity, and ultimately, a closer relationship with this demographic.”

Safdar Khan, division president, Southeast Asia, Mastercard, said: “With the travel industry already exceeding pre-pandemic levels of growth, the GMTI shows how faith-based travelers have evolved in their needs, and how these needs can be better met to create more resilient tourism offerings.”

The GMTI used to be called the Crescentrating Annual Ranking and assessed only the top 10 Muslim-friendly destinations. Now, the report encompasses 138 destinations globally, and offers insights into everything from travel document requirements to faith-aligned sustainability practices.

The latest edition of GMTI offers four new tools that offer insights and recommendations regarding this demographic:

• Muslim Travel Intent Tracker: This metric considers various time frames, from immediate travel plans to those planned over a year in advance, to capture the dynamic and evolving preferences of the Muslim traveler market.
• Muslim Traveler Responsible Tourism Framework: This offers a holistic approach to help guide Muslim travelers in making mindful choices that promote sociocultural, socio-economic, and environmental sustainability while upholding the values of the faith.
• GMTI Performance Matrix (GPM): By incorporating the GMTI scores and the percentage of Muslim visitors to overall visitors, the GPM provides a comprehensive overview of destinations’ ability to cater to Muslim travelers and their success in attracting this growing market segment.
• Muslim Women-Friendly Destinations: This identifies destinations that provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for Muslim women travelers, taking into account such factors as safety, faith restrictions and sustainability within the Environment criteria of the ACES model.

This article was first published by BIMP-EAGA on 14 June 2023.

Smart Tourism Ecosystem Development Readiness in Southeast Asia

Experts talk solutions: budi gunadi sadikin, asean taxonomy defines sustainable activities in transport, construction sectors, asia-pacific trade facilitation report 2024: promoting sustainability and resilience of global value chains, reuse of electric vehicle batteries in asean, related articles, embracing the future of tourism with digital technologies, reimagining a greener tourism as travelers demand sustainability, why southeast asia needs to embrace sustainable tourism, helping tourism msmes take the digital path to recovery and resilience, 5 digital solutions that can spur people to travel again.

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11 Countries Muslim Travelers Will Feel Welcomed And Safe

Muslim travelers seeking countries in which they can feel welcome and safely travel have many options. Here are 11 of those destinations.

Ayah A. • Apr 12, 2021

Muslim travelers seeking countries in which they can feel welcome and safely travel have many options. From majority Islamic nations where the call to prayer echoes through the streets, to non-Islamic countries with Muslim -friendly facilities like halal restaurants and mosques .

Here are 11 destinations where Muslims can safely and comfortably travel. (Some of them may surprise you!)

Travel blogger, Ren, “The Travelette” , has visited over 35 countries worldwide. Her top choice is one she says accommodates all cultures, religions, social groups, tastes, and mentalities.

“Usually when we talk about safe countries for Muslim travelers we automatically think of other Muslim countries like Turkey. For me, that country was Spain .”

With more than 90 mosques and an abundance of halal food options, Japan is another Muslim-friendly destination.

“Japan is known for its respectful culture and polite locals,” says blogger Kareemah Ashiru . “There are many aspects of the Japanese culture that resonate with the Islamic way of life, one of which is cleanliness. I find it fascinating that although Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is the world’s largest metropolitan areas, it ranks high for being very clean. In both the Japanese and Islamic lifestyles, cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

“A Muslim traveler would be pleased to find out that in Japan, the majority of their toilets have high-tech bidets with different pressure and temperature levels to purify oneself. The Narita international airport and even some cafés have meditation rooms that Muslims can pray in.”

Sometimes we visit a country for sun and fun, but end up finding much more. This is exactly what happened to nurse Molly Sowe her first time in The Gambia .

“I am an American convert to Islam. Although, I had begun dabbling in Islamic theory and culture, I was still very much unacquainted at the time.”

Upon her arrival, Molly was greeted with smiles and kindness by everyone, and says she found a serenity in the Gambia she had never experienced before. 

Angabin Naqvi and Sayed Sajjad Haider couldn’t help but feel nervous about their first visit to Pakistan.

“We were worried about security, so we tried to stay discreet about being foreigners. Little did we know, Pakistan would soon conquer our hearts— that was the first of many trips back.”

The husband and wife blogger duo felt safe, comfortable, and inspired in Pakistan, where they found cities rich in culture with plenty of flavorful halal cuisine.

“Lahore is our favorite city because of its vibrant history, a lot of it still remains intact today! You can see architectural masterpieces, tombs, mosques, and ancient cities inspired by the Mughal Era. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve preserved the history of the city while also continuing to advance surrounding areas with highly impressive malls and restaurants.”

“Islamabad, the capital, is nestled between green mountains and large hills. Most foreigners choose to go up north in Hunza Valley to see the most beautiful mountains and lakes of the country.”

With it outdoor hot springs, ice caves, waterfalls, and miles and miles of semi-frozen and green countryside, Iceland offers much to explore.

Her first experience outside the country as an adult, photographer Maymunah Kelly felt very comfortable in Iceland .

“Aside from the chilling winds and short daylight hours, Iceland is a beautiful country. When you do come into contact with locals they’re nothing but sweet.”

“I noticed they’re often shy, but there was never hostility over the questions of my scarf, my garments or anything towards me or my companions; only questions out of curiosity.”

Religious freedom is celebrated in Tanzania, where people of various religions live in harmony. It’s no wonder that Muslims feel so content when visiting.

Tanzanians are extremely friendly, hospitable, and welcoming to foreign visitors. Halal food is plentiful, and modest dress is observed even by non-Muslim natives. Muslims will feel at home in gorgeous Zanizbar, Tanzania’s Muslim-majority island.

With waterfalls, deserts, vibrant cities, and mountains, Morocco is a destination that’s at the top of many travel bucket lists.

“It’s a beautiful North African Muslim country with both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline,” says Breaking Borders author Adil Ismaaeel .

“No matter what city that’s visited, Muslim travelers feel a sense of familiarity. Morocco is filled with culture and has a rich and diverse Islamic history Muslims can appreciate.”

South Korea

We’ve all heard stories of South Korea and the curious and sometimes intrusive stares many foreigners receive while visiting. However, Malikka Moreaux , author of Kintsugi , reminds us to never judge a place based upon someone else’s experience.

“As a Black Muslim woman, I felt incredibly safe during the several weeks I spent in South Korea. I even spent the second half of Ramadan and Eid there, and it was an unforgettable experience.”

“The Itaewon district, also known as the foreigner district, has a plethora of halal options as, well, so I always felt there was plenty to eat during my time there.”

Turkey is home to several Islamic museums and some of the world’s most breathtaking mosques.

“It’s a beautiful Islamic country that is welcoming to Muslims and non-Muslims from all over,” says Mohammed Alnajjar .

“There is safety, security, and stability, little racism or discrimination, and mosques everywhere. It’s also quite affordable, so definitely a country worth visiting.”

Known for being an extremely hospitable and welcoming country, travel blogger Mutmainah Adeyemi , says Mexico is one of the safest countries she has visited as a Black Muslim hijabi.

United Arab Emirates

Muslims from all over visit the United Arab Emirates to marvel at its stunning Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. In addition to the more than 9,000 mosques spread throughout the seven Emirates, prayer rooms can be found at many business establishments, including malls and hotels.

A highly multicultural city, Dubai offers halal food of various different international cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Lebanese, Philippine, and of course, traditional Emirati dishes such as balaleat and al machboos. Dubai is also home to many malls and boutiques, where Muslims can shop for Islamic items, such as books, clothing, and decor.

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8 most Muslim-friendly countries for international students

It seems like there’s no end to the conflict, hatred and discrimination involving Muslims today.

In a world like this, the most Muslim-friendly countries are like havens for Muslim students and travellers.

For Muslims, being able to study, work and travel abroad while practising their religion is unparalleled.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and included — and the hard truth is some countries do this better than others.

The most Muslim-friendly countries in the world today not only practise tolerance to Muslims, but actively promote inclusivity and diversity.

The countries on the other end of the spectrum, however, do not.

Experiencing racial discrimination and injustice can take a heavy emotional toll and trigger chronic stress. Source: AFP

The types of discrimination towards Muslims

Many times in the news have we seen stories highlighting the challenges faced by Muslim students due to bias.

Instances of Islamophobia , ranging from derogatory remarks to physical attacks, have been reported globally. 

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), there has been an increase in complaints of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias in the US since the Israel-Hamas war, emphasising the harsh reality many face. 

Such incidents not only pose immediate physical threats but also create fear and anxiety, making it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies.

Zayn Malik who was the only Muslim person of colour in One Direction, faced racial discrimination during his time in the band. Source: AFP

In fact, even celebrities have not been immune to discrimination . Take, for instance, the experiences of Zayn Malik, the world-famous former One Direction member. 

He has openly discussed how Islamophobia has affected him personally and professionally .

He revealed instances of facing discrimination and prejudice in the music industry, with some questioning his abilities and potential based on his Muslim identity. 

Such experiences serve as a reminder that discrimination not only affects everyday life for Muslim students but can also have an effect on their chosen fields of study and career paths.

As you embark on your journey to study or work overseas, being aware of these challenges and choosing Muslim-friendly countries that actively promote diversity and inclusion becomes not just a preference but a strategic necessity for a fulfilling and successful experience.

Why it’s important to know the most Muslim-friendly countries

Discrimination, unfortunately, remains an issue  with all minority groups.

Incidents of discrimination against international students have increased in recent years. And although not all incidents turn physical, there’s still a psychological toll to it.

Feeling unwelcome or being subjected to bias can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and even a sense of isolation. 

According to the National Institute of Health, discrimination experienced by international students can contribute to a decline in their mental health , which will affect their ability to engage in the educational experience fully. 

As such, selecting Muslim-friendly countries that promote diversity, tolerance, and a welcoming environment is not just a matter of personal preference but a necessity for Muslim international students.

Efforts to become more Muslim-friendly

Fortunately, several countries around the world have made an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of their Muslim international residents, fostering an environment of inclusivity and tolerance. 

One example is Canada, which has implemented anti-discrimination laws and policies to protect individuals based on their religious beliefs.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of religion , and various provinces have enacted legislation to combat discrimination on religious grounds. 

Another example is Malaysia, where Islam is the official religion, and the government has implemented measures to safeguard the rights of its Muslim population.

Malaysia has ensured Muslim international students and workers access to halal food, prayer facilities, and culturally sensitive accommodations.

There’s no need to search for halal grocers here — all meat sold in supermarkets are by default halal, unless stated otherwise.

Some universities have also taken steps to foster a safe and inclusive environment for international students putting them on the list of Muslims.

One example is the University of Toronto, which initiated the “Muslim Students’ Association” (MSA) , a vibrant group that serves as a hub for cultural exchange, social activities and support networks. 

The MSA provides a space for Muslim students to connect with one another and acts as a bridge to educate the broader university community about Islam and dispel misconceptions.

These are great progress — and we’re happy to report that these aren’t the only examples of the most Muslim-friendly countries and universities today.

With close to four million Muslims in the UK (according to 2021 census), there are many initiatives aimed at spreading awareness of Islamophobia. Source: AFP

8 most Muslim-friendly countries in 2024

Below are the eight most Muslim-friendly countries for students in 2024, chosen based on the following factors:

• The standard of living you’ll be able to experience as a Muslim in these countries
• Access to a range of cultures, traditions, and practices
• Economic development within the country

Top universities are identified according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 .

Top universities:

• University of Cambridge (#2)
• University of Oxford (#3)
• Imperial College London (#6)

The UK boasts the most multicultural capital of Europe —  London — and the first Muslim to lead any Western capital city: London mayor Sadiq Khan.

These two facts alone say a lot about how the Brits treat Muslims.

While there is no specific law tackling Islamophobia, the UK has laws that cover hate crime, online abuse, and equalities motivated on the grounds of race or religion.

These include Part III of the Public Order Act 1986, Crime and Disorder Act 1998,  and Online Safety Act 2023, to name just three.

And as there’s close to four million Muslims in the UK (according to 2021 census), there are many initiatives aimed at spreading awareness of Islamophobia.

For example, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), one of the country’s biggest umbrella groups for Muslim organisations, has held a “Visit My Mosque Day.”

Thousands of people reportedly visited some 80 mosques, where believers “explain their faith and community beyond the hostile headlines.”

Malaysia’s prime minister (second from left) and his wife (far left) are practising Muslims, as are the majority of the country’s citizens. Source: AFP

2. Malaysia

• Universiti Malaya (UM) (#65)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) (#137)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) (#158)

With Islam being the official religion, the country is home to a large Muslim population.

Ethnic Malays, defined in the federal constitution as Muslims from birth, make up approximately 55% of the population , according to the US Department of State.

Life here is defined by a unique blend of Islamic traditions and diverse cultural influences from its significant populations of Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people.

The government actively promotes interfaith harmony and encourages tolerance among different religions, which allows non-Muslims to practise their faith without interference.

No matter where you are in Malaysia, it’s easy to find facilities separated for men and women, prayer rooms and mosques (complete with Quran and prayer mats), as well as halal (or pork-free) food.

Lately, Taiwan is increasingly promoting a Muslim-friendly environment at home. Source: AFP

3. Taiwan 

• National Taiwan University (NTU) (#69)
• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (#217)
• National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) (#228)

Taiwan may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about Muslim-friendly countries.

Lately, however,  this first-world Asian giant is increasingly promoting a Muslim-friendly environment at home .

After all, it is host to around 50,000 practising Muslim Taiwanese and 250,000 Muslim migrant workers and international students.

Since 2011, the Taiwanese government has started actively working with Taiwan’s Chinese Muslim Association to promote halal certification.

As a result, there are now more Muslim prayer rooms and bathroom facilities in tourist spots and public transport facilities.

The observation deck at Taipei 101, a skyscraper that was the largest engineering project ever in the history of the country’s construction business, even has a sign indicating the direction of Mecca.

Most recently, Brunei has been ranked fifth among Muslim women-friendly destinations, as revealed by the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 . Source: AFP

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) (#387)
• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (#525)

Located on the island of Borneo, Brunei boasts one of Asia’s highest standards of living, with a strong economy based on oil and gas production.

The country’s economic freedom score is 65.7 on the 2023 Index of Economic Freedom , making its economy the 48th freest in the 2023 Index.

One way that Brunei is promoting its Islamic identity is through the implementation of Sharia law since 2014.

This has been met with controversy from human rights organisations, who claim that it restricts personal freedoms.

However, the Brunei government argues that they are simply upholding traditional Islamic values and norms. 

Most recently, Brunei has been ranked fifth among Muslim women-friendly destinations, as revealed by the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 .

The country scored highly on faith restrictions, places of prayer and airport services but declined on destination marketing, connectivity and enabling environment.

Jordan is a land of ancient wonders and modern progress, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Source: AFP

• University of Jordan (#498)
• Jordan University of Science & Technology (#731-740)
• Al-Ahliyya Amman University (#801-850)

Another Muslim country that offers an exceptional standard of living is Jordan.

Jordan is a land of ancient wonders and modern progress, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

The country’s rich history can be seen in its many archaeological sites, including Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Over the years, Jordan has made significant strides in economic development with a stable political landscape that attracts international investors.

After COVID-19, Jordan’s real GDP — a common metric to measure a country’s economic performance — grew by 2.2% in 2021, following a 1.6% contraction in 2020, according to the World Bank .

Growth rebounded to 2.5% in the first quarter of 2022, supported by the reopening of the economy and the recovery of contact-intensive services, notably tourism.

The country is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam, including Mecca and Medina, which attract millions of pilgrims annually. Source: AFP

6. Saudi Arabia

• King Abdulaziz University (KAU) (#143)
• King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (#180)
• King Saud University (#203)

Situated in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is widely recognised as the birthplace of Islam and holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. 

The country is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam, including Mecca and Medina, which attract millions of pilgrims annually.

Also, Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural heritage reflecting its Islamic roots and Bedouin traditions. 

It hosts the Muslim World League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, institutions dedicated to preserving Islamic interests.

What’s more, more than a billion Muslims turn five times daily toward Makkah to pray and millions visit the country to perform their religious duties for Hajj and Umrah in the holy city, as well as to complete various pilgrimage rituals at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Despite being one of the most conservative countries in the world, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes over recent years.

In 2018, women were granted permission to drive for the first time in decades – a move that was celebrated by many as a step towards greater gender equality.

There are 1,300 ethnic groups and more than 300 languages spoken in Indonesia. Source: AFP

7. Indonesia

• Universitas Indonesia (#237)
• Gadjah Mada University (#263)
• Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) (#281)

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian nation that prides itself on its diversity and tolerance — no small feat for a country with over 1,300 ethnic groups and more than 300 languages spoken.  

This diversity is evident in many aspects of everyday life, from food to clothing to religious practices. Despite being the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has a reputation for religious tolerance.

The country recognises six official religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and indigenous beliefs.

Although religion plays an important role in Indonesian society and politics, it does not define one’s identity or restrict personal freedom.

Most recently, Indonesia was one of the top destinations for Muslim travellers in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 .

The annual report analyses data across nearly 140 countries to offer insights into which destinations best meet the needs of the growing halal travel segment.

Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, this country enjoys world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and a tax-free regime, which has attracted many international companies seeking to establish their presence in the region.

Plus, the Emirati government’s commitment to diversifying its economy has led to significant investment in innovation and technology.

With free zones, business-friendly policies, and a hub for global halal tourism, the UAE is a friendly country for Muslims to live in. Source: AFP

8. United Arab Emirates

• Khalifa University (#230)
• United Arab Emirates University (#290)
• American University of Sharjah (#364)

The United Arab Emirates is home to over  200 nationalities . There are about 40 churches, two Hindu temples, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist temple, which welcome multi-national congregations.

It’s a country that leads in  global halal tourism . Visit the heritage areas and shops at the banks of Dubai Creek — here you’ll find some of the best Muslim-friendly things to do in Old Dubai.

Studying here means greater access to a job in the  leading hub for trade and innovation in the Middle East. 

The country boasts several  free zones  where expatriates and foreign investors can have full ownership of companies.

The  Dubai Internet City  (DIC) is home to over 1,400 technology companies that have helped transform Dubai into one of the most digitally advanced cities in the world.

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12 Islamic countries you should visit

This article is part of the Mic series "Enabling Empathy Through Travel." See the previous post here.

Islam is the world's second-largest religion, but  most Americans say they know little to nothing about it. Irrational fear of Islam is enabled by the fact that nearly half of Americans do not personally know anyone who is Muslim, and 43%  of Americans have self-reported prejudice against Muslims.

The best way to learn about something unfamiliar is to experience it firsthand. If you've never been to a country with a sizable Muslim population, consider booking a trip. Here are 12 destinations that will give you a better perspective on Islam and will just generally make for an awesome trip.

1. Indonesia

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world — about 87% of the country is Muslim. Besides surfing in Bali, which is just one of Indonesia's more than 13,000 islands, you can explore one of its eight World Heritage Sites, hike in the rainforest, visit active volcanoes, see ancient human fossils and snorkel in the coral reefs. In addition to the Great Mosque of Demak, one of the oldest in Indonesia, you can also see Hindu and Buddhist temples and remnants of the Dutch colonial history.

Although only about 14% of the country is Muslim, India has the second-largest Muslim population in the world. The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned example of Islamic art built during the Mughal Empire, and just one of the hundreds of tourist sites in the country. Charminar in Hyderabad is a mosque believed to have one minaret, or tower, for each of the four earliest caliphs, or leaders, of Islam. Pilgrims often travel to visit some of the many Islamic holy sites in India, as well as the Hindu temples.

3. Malaysia 

About 60% of the population in Malaysia is Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad's birthday is a national holiday, along with the Chinese New Year, Deepavali (the Hindu festival of lights, also called Diwali) and Christmas. In addition to the twin petronas towers, you can visit the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, many mosques, caves, beaches and nature reserves, including an elephant orphanage.

Morocco's population is considered 99% Muslim, and has the 11th largest Muslim population in the world. From buying all kinds of crafts in the souk, or market, in Marrakesh, to camping with Berbers in the desert, to enjoying the coastal views in Rabat and ancient architecture in the Atlas Mountains, as well as sampling traditional food cooked in a tagine (clay pot), Morocco is enchanting.

Oman is 88% Muslim. Check out the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House and enjoy one of the most diverse environments in the Middle East. Oman has beaches, caves and even mountains. The capital, Muscat, was named one of the best cities in the world to visit by Lonely Planet , as well as capital of Arab tourism in 2012.

Home to the renowned ancient city of Petra and some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world in Jerash , Jordan is 94% Muslim. Jordan also has various religious sites , including the ancient city Decapolis now known as Umm Qais, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee. Jordan also has forests, wildlife and wetland reserves.

Turkey has the seventh-largest Muslim population in the world. While the U.S. State Department has a travel warning issued for Turkey, Istanbul is at the crux of where East meets West. Turkey is home to breathtaking landscapes, such as the World Heritage Site of the fairy-like caves of Cappadocia , and the stunning architecture of the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Cruise down the Bosphorus between two continents, eat delicious Mediterranean food and try the national liquor Raki, made from grapes and aniseed.

8. Algeria 

Algeria has the ninth-largest Muslim population in the world — 98% of the population is Muslim. The Grand Mosque is one of North Africa's most significant Islamic landmarks. You can also see many sites of well-preserved Roman, Byzantine and Phoenician ruins such as Timgad, Djemilia, Tiddis and Tipasa. Constantine, the "city of bridges," was named the Capital of Arab Culture  in 2015. Explore the camel market, sand dunes and ancient Saharan towns historically closed to foreigners.

9. Sri Lanka

With close to 2 million Muslims, Sri Lanka is about  10% Muslim; other major religions include Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. Visit the Dawatagaha or Kechimalai mosques, the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth and Adam's Peak, reported to have a footprint of the Prophet Adam, and the Kingdom of Anuradhapura , one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Go snorkeling or scuba diving off pristine beaches, hike through the jungle and hang out with some elephants.

The land of the Sphinx, the Pyramids and the Nile, Egypt is 90% Muslim. It's also home to Mount Sinai, Al-Azhar University, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As and the mausoleum of Imam Shafi, along with many more historical sites. 

11. The Maldives

The Maldives are 100% Sunni Muslim by law. While you won't experience much culture on the 80% of the islands exclusively devoted to tourism, you can visit an "inhabited island," or the capital, Malé, to see Maldivian culture firsthand. Malé has a Museum of Islamic Art, and mosques and burial sites of famous Muslims. The Maldives has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and picturesque white sand beaches that are being slowly enveloped by the rising oceans caused by global warming.

Spain has close to 2 million Muslims, which add up to about 4% of the population. However, it was once a stronghold of "the Moors," and today is a fascinating place to see the historical influence of Islam, particularly in Andalusia in southern Spain. In Cordoba, the Grand Mosque, or La Mezquita, was historically used as both a church and a mosque. La Alhambra in Granada is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Sevilla, once the capital of the Umayyad Islamic Caliphate, houses the beautiful Alcazar palace and the Cathedral of Sevilla, which was converted from a mosque.

Be sure to read about cultural norms and traditions before you book your trip so that you can be respectful of the local culture and make the most of your time. Islam is a rich and diverse religion, and you'll learn something new wherever you go.

The antidote to Islamophobia is knowledge. If you travel to one of these places, you'll have the opportunity to experience a culture that many Americans don't know very much about.

About the author:   Tasha Prados is a returned Peace Corps Peru volunteer, a traveler and a writer. She has lived, worked or volunteered in six countries, and been to over 20. She speaks Spanish and can read and write Arabic. Her work experience includes the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C., the Middle East Institute and the United Nations Foundation, among others. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a contributor to Mic and to   Keteka .

The Tour Groups Empowering Muslim Women Travelers—and Fostering Community

By Sarah Shaffi

For many practicing Muslim women, finding the right hotel and booking excursions is just one part of planning a vacation. There’s also the search for halal or vegetarian restaurants, pinning mosques with a women’s prayer space to Google Maps, and researching whether a destination is safe for them not just as women, but oftentimes as visibly Muslim women if they wear a hijab or niqab, or want to don a burkini.

For years, Muslim women wanting to travel have done this all themselves, without the help of travel and tour companies that cater to their non-Muslim peers. That despite there being a huge demand: According to the Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023 , Muslim women “make up a substantial portion of the global Muslim travel market,” citing a growing trend for “solo and women group travel” in particular.

“Muslim women are looking to travel with a group of like-minded women where they can feel catered to in terms of having time to pray, eat halal food, feel comfortable wearing hijab if they do, and visit local mosques when traveling,” says Ellie Quinn Belhaj, a travel blogger based in Manchester, England.

But while some Muslim women may have additional requirements while on vacation, notes Belhaj, they are also after all the same things as other travelers: “Muslim women want to hike, dive, and explore cities like everyone else.”

In recent years, a number of independent travel companies founded by Muslim women have sprung up to fill this gap in the market, all seeking to make travel easier—especially for those who grew up in cultures where women traveling alone may not be the norm or might not have the confidence to start off solo immediately. Tour operator The Muslim Women’s Travel Group offers exciting trips while also making sure religious needs don’t have to be cast aside. Founder Sadia Ramzan says she wants to “enable women to explore the world safely [while] respecting their beliefs and values.”

Later this year The Muslim Women’s Travel Group will head to Japan, where temples, a kimono-dressing and dance experience, and a tea ceremony are on the itinerary. Another trip planner, Sisters Getaway , offers retreats complete with yoga and creative writing sessions that are interspersed with excursions. Muslim hiking and adventure group The Wanderlust Women ’s summer 2024 Pakistan trip will include seeing the Batura Glacier and a community day in the mountains. In Uzbekistan later this year, tour operator Halal Travel Guide has programmed activities including Islamic calligraphy and walking tours.

Sisters Getaway founder Abdiya Meddings

Regardless of what the itinerary may have in store, travelers pause what they’re doing five times a day so whoever wants to can pray. They don’t have to worry about accidentally eating non-halal food, either, or navigating experiences centered around alcohol. Still, these trips are not “religious retreats,” says Sisters Getaway founder Abdiya Meddings, although religion does permeate the ethos these companies operate by. Halal Travel Guide founder Soumaya T. Hamdi uses the term “halal tourism” to describe what her company does—halal refers to the food Muslims can eat, but is widely used as an adjective to mean “permissible” when it comes to Islam.

Hamdi says the culture of halal is “also about being fair, conducting business in a way that is responsible, that takes into account the local people, the local destination, and the impact that our visits have on the destination.” Principles that should be applied to all scopes of travel. Ramzan is also focused on responsible tourism, and likes to use women-owned companies and women guides where possible, supporting women like her who have set up their own businesses.

Most of these groups attract travelers based in the UK, North America and Europe, with a small number of customers coming from further afield, including the Middle East and even Australia. But core to all of them is enabling travelers to feel connected to each other, the places they visit, and even their own histories. Depending on the destination, Halal Travel Guide also helps travelers learn stories about their Islamic heritage . “We connect people with their Islamic heritage because a lot of us are very disconnected from our stories,” says Hamdi. “What shapes your identity more than the stories that you listen to?” Folk tales and history are not easily found in books published in the West, TV shows that are aired, or even in school curriculums.

“We've been working really hard to share these stories about figures from Islamic history, about countries that have fantastic Islamic heritage,” says Hamdi. During Halal Travel Guide’s Jordan trip, for example, the itinerary includes a day at Al-Salt outside of Amman, an ancient city where a number of Islamic prophets are believed to have once lived, worked, or passed away; the day trip includes visiting burial grounds and hearing more about the lives and stories of these prophets.

In other cases, the focus on fostering community stems from the companies’ origin stories: Sisters Getaway started life with Meddings wondering how other Muslim women found people they related to, particularly if they recently converted to Islam and felt they didn’t fit into already established Muslim spaces like mosques. The Muslim Women’s Travel Group began on Facebook when Ramzan had questions about traveling alone after years of doing so with her five sisters, and didn’t find the community she was looking for.

Meddings’ first Granada retreat sold out in three days and 27 retreats later, the company is her full-time job. A big part of its success, she says, is that it appeals to “a lot of women who find themselves at a time in their lives where their friends are in completely different stages and they [are] alone for various reasons. Making friends in your twenties, thirties, forties, sixties, [is] not as easy as at school or university.”

Hamdi, meanwhile, says Halal Travel Guide attracts a lot of people in their 30s who are unmarried, don’t have children, and are “very successful, have money to spend, and want to invest in themselves by meeting new people, going on unforgettable trips, and sharing those trips with other people.”

Of course, all the women that go on these trips carry stories back with them, as well as friendships. Ramzan, Meddings and Hamdi have all had women bonding on their trips and going on to book vacations of their own together—or returning to their companies as a group.

But it’s the diversity of women the companies host that allows travelers to feel welcome, whatever their background. Attendees of Meddings’ retreats have included three generations of women from the same family, a widow who hadn’t traveled since her husband had passed away, and non-Muslim women who are simply searching for a women-only space in which to relax. The Muslim Women’s Travel Group’s oldest guest was 74, and the group has had “the burkini babes laying next to the bikini babes” on its trips, says Ramzan.

For Muslim women, being accepted for who they are, with no expectations and no stereotypes, is freeing. Says Meddings: “Everyone can come exactly how they are. Hijab, no hijab, praying, not praying, it doesn’t matter [to] us. Everybody is welcome. And I feel like that really speaks to a lot of people.”

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President Biden ends Trump's Muslim travel ban, outlines what's next

Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized President Joe Biden’s action on rescinding the Muslim travel ban. It was a presidential proclamation.

Among the flurry of executive orders and proclamations signed by President Joe Biden  on Wednesday was one ending the ban on travelers from several majority-Muslim countries , which was first issued by Donald Trump in January 2017.

"Beyond contravening our values, these Executive Orders and Proclamations have undermined our national security," Biden's proclamation rescinding the ban reads. "They have jeopardized our global network of alliances and partnerships and are a moral blight that has dulled the power of our example the world over. And they have separated loved ones, inflicting pain that will ripple for years to come. They are just plain wrong."

Instead of a ban, the White House says it will improve the screening of visitors by strengthening information sharing with foreign governments and other measures.

The so-called Muslim ban went through multiple iterations before it was finally upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 . The original ban affected refugees from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

But the list of countries changed over the course of a protracted court battle that wound all the way to the Supreme Court. While the high court allowed the order to take effect in December 2017 , the legal fight didn't end until the following June. By then, the list consisted of five majority-Muslim countries – Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen  – and two that are not:  North Korea and Venezuela .

Last January, the Trump administration added six new countries – Nigeria, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Sudan and Tanzania – to its list of restricted countries.

Within 120 days, Biden said he wanted his secretary of state and Homeland Security director to provide a review of current vetting procedures and information-sharing along with recommendations for revising them.

Biden's picks to lead the State Department and Homeland Security, Tony Blinken  and  Alejandro Mayorkas , respectively, are going through the Senate confirmation process.

Biden also ordered that the State Department resume processing visa applications and that within 45 days, the secretary of state provide him with a report outlining the number of visa applicants being considered for a waiver when the Trump order was signed; plans for "expeditiously adjudicating" their pending visa applications; the reconsideration of those whose applications were denied; and a way to ensure that cases of those who reapply are not prejudiced as a result of a previous visa denial.

"Make no mistake, where there are threats to our Nation, we will address them," Biden's proclamation stated. "Where there are opportunities to strengthen information-sharing with partners, we will pursue them. And when visa applicants request entry to the United States, we will apply a rigorous, individualized vetting system. But we will not turn our backs on our values with discriminatory bans on entry into the United States."

Contributing: Richard Wolf

Muslim Girl

10 Essential Islamic Etiquettes for Traveling

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” Dalai Lama

Ah, traveling fills the soul and nourishes the spirit to explore the hidden beauty of diversified cultures worldwide. Islam has taught us the essential Islamic etiquette when traveling for us to be the best version of ourselves when we set foot in a foreign place. How wonderful is that? SubhanAllah.

From the two Easts and Wests, Allah Almighty has Created people of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures to widen our weltanschauung, practice humility, and spark our curiosity to learn beyond borders. 

Have you traveled anywhere in the world before? If so, what was the experience like, and did you learn something new? Oftentimes we look forward to having a fantastic experience when we travel.

We can’t wait to indulge in the atmosphere, take Insta-worthy pictures to share with our friends, and try out their unique cuisines. But have we ever reflected on whether or not we practice specific etiquette when traveling according to the Islamic teachings as mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah?

If you have never thought of it — and it’s normal to overlook this! — here is some essential Islamic etiquette when traveling the next time with your family and friends, InshaAllah. 

1. Fulfil Your Responsibilities and Settle Your Debts if Any

Before you begin your journey, fulfill whatever responsibility is required for your role. If you are a parent and will be leaving your children, ensure that your children are left with money and a trusted caretaker. If you are a student, make sure that your assignments are complete prior to your hiatus. If you have any debts to pay, settle them as soon as you can before leaving for an adventure.

It has been reported on the authority of ‘Amr b. al-‘As that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “All the sins of a Shahid (martyr) are forgiven except debt.” [Sahih Muslim]

2. Travel with Good Intentions

Everything begins with the right intention, so what is yours? Have you ever pondered on why you engage in traveling in the first place? Is it to seek knowledge from saints and sages in another country? Is it to find inner peace? Whatever reason you have decided must be beneficial for you and should not be blameworthy. Remember, there are a lot of rewards — tenfold in fact — for those who rectify their intentions before performing deeds, InshaAllah.

It is narrated on the authority of Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers), Abu Hafs ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), say “Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

3. Find Good Company to Travel with

It has always been a dream for some people to travel alone. Just like in the movie Eat, Pray, Love , the main character found wisdom and gained experience traveling alone…but unfortunately, it is not encouraged for Muslims to embark on a journey alone for safety reasons. There’s a lot that could go wrong when we travel to a foreign place we’ve never set foot on!

Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of traveling alone, no rider would travel alone at night.” [Al-Bukhari]

Instead, find good company to travel with. This way, it will be easier for you and others to navigate your way safely, and gain a much more insightful experience, InshaAllah. 

‘Amr bin Shu’aib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “A single rider is (accompanied with) Satan and two riders are (accompanied with) two Satans. Three riders form a group.” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]

4. Do Not Go Overboard with Your Expenses

Sometimes our desires get the best of us. We buy things from overseas for the sake of sentimental value. You think to yourself that you never know when you’ll get a chance to visit this country again and justify your splurging.

What started as a “little” treat can quickly become enough silverware, souvenirs, t-shirts, and touristy items to fill a suitcase or two. You might not regret buying all of those…until you look at your bank account.

Is it worth buying all of those things just for the sake of sentimental value and proof that you have gone to this country? You can buy a thing or two, but going overboard with spending is not an encouraged practice in Islam. Islam encourages spending modestly.

To practice essential etiquette when traveling, set and categorize each budget before you embark on your journey. This way you won’t exceed your card limit. For instance, budget set amounts for food, transportation, accommodations, and spending money. With proper planning and execution, you will always have enough money for rainy days, InshaAllah.

“وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلْمِسْكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا

Give to close relatives their due, as well as the poor and ˹needy˺ travelers. And do not spend wastefully.” [Quran 17:26]

5. Bid Your Family Members Farewell

Death is inevitable, so Islamic teachings are preparing Muslims for the worst-case scenario. One of the proper etiquettes, before we set to travel, is bidding our family members farewell for we do not know what the future holds.

Take this opportunity to gather all our family members, ask for forgiveness and their blessings, and bid them goodbye before you begin your adventure. At the very least, when you have done this, you have already made amends with your family and relatives; let bygones be bygones before you leave. 

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا “O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” [Qur’an 4:1]

6. Recite Essential Du’as before Traveling

There are several du’as you can recite before you leave your home and begin your travel. Always ask Allah Almighty for His Divine Blessings, Protection, and Heavenly Care. Here are some of the du’as you can practice:

Du’a for traveling:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ. “Glory unto Him Who created this transportation, for us, though we were unable to create it on our own. And unto our Lord we shall return.” [Qur’an 43:13-14]

Du’a when returning from traveling:

ا للهُ أَكْـبَر، ا للهُ أَكْـبَر، ا للهُ أَكْـبَر،لا إلهَ إلاّ اللّهُ وَحْـدَهُ لا شريكَ لهُ، لهُ الملكُ ولهُ الحَمْد، وهُوَ على كُلّ شَيءٍ قَـدير، آيِبـونَ تائِبـونَ عابِـدونَ لِرَبِّـنا حـامِـدون، صَدَقَ اللهُ وَعْـدَه، وَنَصَـرَ عَبْـدَه، وَهَزَمَ الأَحْـزابَ وَحْـدَه. “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs all Sovereignty and Praise, and He is over all things Omnipotent. We return, repent, worship and praise our Lord. Allah fulfilled His Promise, aided His Servant, and single-handedly defeated the allies.” [Al-Bukhari]

Du’a for protection:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ “In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in heaven, and He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” [Sunan Abi Daud]

7. Offer Sunnah Musafir Prayer

If you do have the time before you travel, offer two raka’ah of Salatul Musafir to ask Allah Almighty for protection, safety, and ultimately His Blessings. You can refer to the du’as above to recite after you’ve completed your prayer. This is recommended and not obligatory for every Muslim.

8. Observe Your Manners and Dress Appropriately

When you visit a foreign place, you should do your best to observe your manners, be humble, and wear appropriately to blend in with the locals. Some of the unfavorable acts include talking or laughing loudly, making insensitive or racist jokes, littering…and the list goes on and on.

When you visit a new place, especially if it is underdeveloped or considered a poor country, do not be arrogant! Always practice humility, and humbleness and do your part to share your wealth with those in need. Remember, whatever you say or do reflects the image of Islam, so do and act your best, InshaAllah.

Abu Huraira (may Allah be Pleased with him) related that the Prophet ﷺ said: The Lord’s commandment for every one of His slaves is, ‘Spend on others, and I will spend on you’. [Bukhari, Muslim]

9. Don’t Forget to Buy Souvenirs

Fancy some unique trinkets to give your loved ones? Buy them and give them as gifts to your friends and family! Little acts of kindness go a long way, and this act will let them know you are thinking about them and appreciate their existence, mashaAllah. 

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Exchange gifts, as that will lead to increasing your love for one another.” [Bukhari]

Asmah (may Allah be Pleased with her) related that the Prophet ﷺ said: Spend, and do not count, lest Allah counts against you. Do not withhold your money, lest Allah withholds from you. Spend what you can. [Bukhari, Muslim]

10. Learn Something New

Explore the world with an open mind. Begin the first step with the right intention; to gain knowledge for the sake of Allah Almighty and His Messenger, Peace, and Blessings be upon him. Sometimes, all we care for is the thrill to experience a whole different world in another country and nothing more. Does that really fully satisfy us as Muslims? Do we not want to seek anything else other than the thrill?

This is a great time for us to learn something new from someone or something we observe in another country. Just like the saints and sages in the past who have embarked on spiritual and insightful journeys to explore new realms of knowledge in the hidden parts of the world, we too should emulate such excitement to embark on the quest for ‘ilm. 

Abu Huraira (may Allah be Pleased with him), reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The best of you in Islam are those with the best character if they have religious understanding.” [Musnad Ahmad]

In retrospect, going on a journey to travel and explore the beauty of the world is in fact recommended and encouraged in Islam. It is a means to open our eyes to new possibilities, widen our perspective and sharpen our wisdom to become more virtuous and knowledgeable Muslims.

If you were given an opportunity to go somewhere around the world, where would you go? Why? What are some of the places you would like to go at that particular place? How do you think you going to that country would benefit you? Ask these questions yourself and you will find an answer within you, InshaAllah.

By Lily Syahirah Ramlan

Trump’s ‘Travel Ban’ Doesn’t Affect All Muslims

By D'Angelo Gore and Lori Robertson

Posted on June 28, 2018 | Corrected on June 29, 2018

Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison tweeted that the Supreme Court “ratified Donald Trump’s ‘total and complete shutdown’ of Muslims entry into the United States.” That is a Trump quote from the presidential campaign. But his actual executive actions didn’t go that far.

Trump most recently issued a proclamation restricting certain nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and North Korea from obtaining visas to travel to the U.S. Certain Venezuelan government officials and their families were also barred.

The first five countries are majority Muslim nations , but that’s far from banning all Muslims.

In fact, in January 2017, the Pew Research Center estimated that Trump’s original executive order would affect only about 12 percent of Muslims in the world. That was when restrictions were also placed on Iraqi and Sudanese nationals, who have since been excluded.

After the Supreme Court issued its ruling on a case challenging Trump’s proclamation, Ellison reacted on Twitter.

The US Supreme Court just ratified Donald Trump’s “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entry into the United States. — Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 26, 2018

The ‘Total and Complete Shutdown’ Quote

Trump himself used the words “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” during the 2016 presidential campaign. He issued a “ Statement on Preventing Muslim Immigration ,” which he read at a Dec. 7, 2015, rally. Trump called for a “complete shutdown … until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on. We have no choice.”

Ellison spoke about the “total and complete” shutdown quote in a Facebook interview with Minnesota’s WCCO-TV on June 26. “I know some people said, well it’s not a Muslim ban because not all Muslim countries are banned, right?” Ellison said (starting at the 1:45 mark). “But the countries that are banned, are banned because they’re Muslim countries. And who better to judge than just relying on Trump’s own words. Right out of the gate, he says he wants a total and complete ban on Muslim entry into the country.”

Ellison said Trump then adjusted the language of the ban, but “that was always a facade, that was always a sham. This is a Muslim ban.”

Trump’s quote was part of the plaintiffs’ case in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality and authority of Trump’s proclamation. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on June 26 that the president had “lawfully exercised the broad discretion granted to him” under the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict entry to some foreign nationals in order to protect the interests of the United States.

The opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, said the plaintiffs’ case includes several statements by Trump and his campaign “casting doubt on the official objective of the Proclamation.” But the majority found that the proclamation — issued in September as the third version of the Trump administration’s attempt to restrict entry to the U.S. — “is facially neutral toward religion.”

Roberts wrote: “But the issue before us is not whether to denounce the statements [of the president]. It is instead the significance of those statements in reviewing a Presidential directive, neutral on its face, addressing a matter within the core of executive responsibility.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent, said the proclamation was “window dressing,” and that the words of the president and his advisers showed discriminatory motives against Muslims. “Ultimately, what began as a policy explicitly ‘calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States’ has since morphed into a ‘Proclamation’ putatively based on national-security concerns,” Sotomayor wrote. “But this new window dressing cannot conceal an unassailable fact: the words of the President and his advisers create the strong perception that the Proclamation is contaminated by impermissible discriminatory animus against Islam and its followers.”

The ‘Travel Ban’

The proclamation — “ Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry into the United States by Terrorists or other Public-Safety Threats ” — was issued on Sept. 24, 2017, after two previous executive orders  on immigration in January and March of that year. The proclamation applies to certain nationals from the named countries who want to obtain a visa for travel to the U.S. 

The restrictions have been tailored to each country for different security reasons, according to a White House explainer. They cover immigrants , who want to come to the U.S. permanently, and nonimmigrants, who only plan to visit temporarily.

Iran: Entry is suspended for Iranian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants, with the exception of individuals traveling on valid student and exchange visitor visas. Those temporary visitors will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting.

Libya: Entry is suspended for Libyan nationals as immigrants, as well as nonimmigrants on business and tourist visas.

Somalia: Entry is suspended for Somalian nationals as immigrants. Nonimmigrants traveling to the U.S. will be subjected to enhanced screening and vetting.

Syria: Entry is suspended for Syrian nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants.

Yemen: Entry is suspended for Yemeni nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants traveling on business and tourist visas.

North Korea: Entry is suspended for North Korean nationals as immigrants and nonimmigrants.

Venezuela: Entry is suspended for certain Venezuelan government officials and their immediate family members traveling on business and tourist visas.

(Chad was removed from the original list in an update to the proclamation in April.)

Some Are Exempt

To be clear, not all foreign nationals from those countries are affected. The proclamation mentions exemptions for several individuals, including:

• Any lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Any person who has a valid document other than a visa granting admission to the U.S. — such as a boarding foil (for lost or stolen green cards) or an advance parole document (for those in the process of adjusting immigration status).
• Any dual national from a restricted country who is traveling with a passport from a nonrestricted country
• Any person granted asylum by the U.S., previously admitted as a refugee, or granted other forms of relief or protection

Obtaining a Waiver

The proclamation also says that specified consular or border officials can grant waivers on a case-by-case basis, allowing affected foreign nationals to enter the U.S.

Waivers may be granted if a person can show that denying entry would cause an undue hardship, or that entry would not pose a security risk, or would be in the national interest.

Waivers may also be granted under some of the following circumstances:

• The person has previously been admitted to the U.S.
• The person seeks to enter the U.S. for significant business or professional obligations, and the denial of entry would impede those obligations.
• The person is an infant, a young child, an adoptee, or someone needing urgent medical care, or dealing with other special circumstances.
• The person has worked for the U.S. government, is traveling at the U.S. government’s request, or is representing an international organization in a meeting with the U.S government.

Readers can refer to the proclamation for further explanation of any additional exemptions or requirements for obtaining a waiver. The State Department also has  prepared a document with responses to some frequently asked questions about the president’s proclamation.

Correction, June 29: We originally referred to Trump’s Dec. 7, 2015, event as a press conference. It was a campaign rally.

Memorial to be built for Muslim soldiers who fought and died alongside UK troops in World Wars

At least 2.5 million Muslim soldiers and labourers are reported to have fought with the Allied forces in the First World War and 5.5 million in the Second World War. Nearly 1.5 million Muslims were killed in action.

News correspondent @esadiya

Sunday 28 April 2024 04:08, UK

A memorial is set to be built for Muslim soldiers who fought and died alongside British and Allied forces in both World Wars.

Set to be erected at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire, the 13.2m minaret-shaped structure is to be constructed with brick and terracotta sourced from different parts of the UK and inscribed with the stories of Muslim soldiers who fought for the crown.

Architect Benny O'Looney, who designed the memorial, told Sky News he was inspired by travels to the Indian subcontinent.

He said: "The idea is, as you approach the memorial, it draws you in. And you can see there's more detail, more information, more craftsmanship.

"The idea is to show a panorama of the Muslim soldiers' service in the World War from the gritty 1914. This incredible narrative of plugging the gap and saving the expeditionary forces on the Western Front."

The memorial's design tells the story of sacrifice while reviving traditional crafts, and Mr O'Looney says it will incorporate work from a sculptor and an Islamic calligrapher.

Its site has been chosen at the NMA, a 150-acre visitor site on the edge of the National Forest, alongside commemorative memorials for Sikhs, Gurkhas and others.

Irfan Malik's ancestors served in both World Wars.

"Both of my great-grandfathers Captain Ghulam Mohammad and Subedar [roughly equivalent to warrant officer] Mohammad Khan were part of the Great War, and my two grandfathers were part of the Second World War serving in Burma," the GP from Nottingham told Sky News.

"They all descended from Dulmial village, which is based in the salt range in Punjab, in present-day Pakistan, a very famous military village."

Dr Malik said the memorial at the NMA has been a number of years in planning.

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"I'm so glad we are near to fruition now, so that we can remember this forgotten history of the Muslim soldiers in both of the Great Wars and looking at Muslim contributions globally as well," he said.

"It'll be a symbol of remembrance of those campaigns, the sacrifices made, and also an opportunity to educate our younger generation to improve community cohesion in this country."

Pro-Palestinian Boycotts Pose Existential Threat to Fast-Food Outlets in Some Countries

B rands across the world have felt the impact of a growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement that pro-Palestinian activists have pushed to pressure and punish companies that are perceived to support Israel’s deadly military campaign in Gaza . But the impact has been most pronounced in Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where boycotts on several fast-food chains have begun to pose an existential threat to franchisees despite pushback from local operators against allegations that their businesses are tied to Israel.

QSR Brands, the franchise holder for KFC in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia, announced on Monday that it is temporarily shuttering over 100 KFC outlets across the country, local media reported , as it looks to “manage increasing business costs and focus on high-engagement zones.”

The move comes amid a Malaysia-wide boycott against the fried chicken establishment, as activists criticize its U.S.-based parent company Yum! Brands for investing in an Israeli startup .

“BDS is the most effective way for people of conscience to put their solidarity with Palestinian human rights into action,” Luqa AbuFarah, the North America Coordinator of the BDS National Committee, told TIME in February. 

Meanwhile, local franchisees of impacted fast-food chains have argued that boycotts will only hurt local communities and employees.

“Contributing positively to the Malaysian community, preserving the brand love for KFC and protecting employees of the brand are all priority to the organisation,” QSR said in a statement, adding that about 85% of its 18,000 employees in Malaysia are Muslim. “We firmly believe our rakyat [countrymen] will acknowledge our Malaysian roots, our sincerity and our hard work in contributing to the Malaysian ecosystem.”

KFC isn’t the only brand to suffer. Here are some of the fast-food chains that have come under fire—and how they’re faring.

In addition to facing blowback in Malaysia, KFC has also faced serious headwinds in the Middle East and North Africa, where pro-Palestinian sentiment runs high. Earlier this month, Algeria’s first KFC restaurant closed temporarily , just days after its landmark opening, as pro-Palestinian protesters staged demonstrations outside the shop. And Americana Restaurants International, an F&B giant that operates nearly 2,500 outlets in the Middle East and North Africa—including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Krispy Kreme— cut almost 100 jobs earlier this year and reported a 15% slump in revenue in the last quarter of 2023.

“The most pronounced impact that we’re seeing is in the Middle East and in Muslim countries like Indonesia and Malaysia,” Chris Kempczinski, CEO of the McDonald’s Corporation, the fast-food giant’s global headquarters, said earlier this month, as the company finds itself perhaps the biggest target of boycotting around the world since reports emerged of restaurants in Israel providing free food to military personnel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, even as its over 40,000 stores worldwide are often locally owned and operated.

International sales for McDonald’s saw a 0.7% increase in the last quarter of 2023, a far cry from the 16.5% growth in the same period the year before.

McDonald’s Corporation told TIME in a statement in February that the company “is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict” and that “any actions from our local Developmental Licensee business partners were made independently without McDonald’s consent or approval.”

But, AbuFarah told TIME, “the actions of a McDonald’s franchisee cannot be isolated from the company’s worldwide operations,” adding that the company “is responsible for ensuring that its franchisee is not involved in conduct that damages McDonald’s reputation, including any association of the brand with grave human rights violations.”

Earlier this month, in what appears to be a move to appease critics, McDonald’s Corporation announced that it was taking back ownership of its 225 restaurants in Israel, buying back the franchise from Alonyal Limited, which had operated McDonald’s restaurants in the country for more than 30 years and was behind the decision to supply the Israeli military with free meals. 

McDonald’s franchises across Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Malaysia, have been eager to sever their associations with the pro-Israel allegations, issuing statements disavowing their links to their Israeli counterpart and pledging millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Some McDonald’s branches, including in Egypt and Indonesia , have also been spotted by social media users being decorated with the Palestinian flag.

Last year, McDonald’s Malaysia, which has described itself as a “100% Muslim-owned entity,” filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against the local chapter of the BDS movement, accusing it of “false and defamatory statements” that linked the fast-food chain to Israel’s war in Gaza and caused detrimental impact to its business. The lawsuit sparked further public backlash, however, and McDonald’s Malaysia dropped the suit in March after mediation with the pro-Palestinian group, saying it would continue to support Palestinians through humanitarian aid and employee fundraising initiatives.

“Our stance remains firm. We do not support nor are we complicit in any conflicts or wars,” a McDonald’s Malaysia spokesperson said in a statement about the lawsuit withdrawal, adding that the agreement “will allow all parties to move forward and focus on finding a resolution that upholds justice.”

Starbucks came under fire from activists last October after it sued its U.S. workers union over a pro-Palestinian social media post made on a union account. (The workers union responded with its own lawsuit.)

Since then, the coffee chain has found itself another target of the global boycott movement.

In October, youth members of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party staged sit-in protests outside Starbucks stores across the country.

In Indonesia, where Starbucks is owned by local company PT Sari Coffee Indonesia, an employee told Al Jazeera that business has been so slow, despite a slew of promotions, that they have shortened operating hours. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Starbucks franchisee Berjaya Food attributed a 38.2% fall in revenue in the last quarter of 2023 to boycotts. 

Alshaya Group, which operates around 2,000 Starbucks shops and other brands in the Middle East and North Africa, announced in January the closure of dozens of its shops in Egypt, including Starbucks, along with the layoff of nearly 400 employees, citing “difficulties faced by overseas businesses.” In March, it cut another 2,000 jobs, mostly concentrated in its Starbucks operations, as a source told Reuters that the company has been hard hit by boycotting.

Pizza chain Domino’s has been named by BDS activists as one of the companies that “stayed silent when their branch/franchisee in Israel supported genocide,” amid rumors that Israeli outlets also offered free food to Israeli troops.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, the chain’s Australia-based operator that serves the Asia-Pacific and Europe, saw its shares tumble 30% in January. Its CEO Don Meij said that the pizza chain’s poor sales in Asia stemmed from anti-American sentiment. “It’s well-publicized that American brands in Asia, and I largely talk to Malaysia in this case, have been affected by what’s happening in the Middle East right now,” he told analysts.

However, performance has been uneven across markets, with the pizza chain reporting high U.S. sales in the first quarter of this year, amid changes to its loyalty programs and delivery system. 

Burger King

Activists have called for a global boycott of Burger King over Israel outlets also providing free food and drinks to the Israeli military. Burger King stores have also found themselves the target of attacks fueled by anti-Israel anger. In late October, a man in Turkey stabbed an employee in a Burger King restaurant, claiming that its food was tainted by “baby blood”; a week later, the windows of another Burger King restaurant in Turkey were shattered by a man decrying the chain’s alleged support for Israel.

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Gaza anger casts cloud over UK Labour's election celebrations

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Hamas, CIA director to hold talks in Cairo on Gaza truce

Hamas said on Friday it was sending a delegation to Cairo to discuss a deal for a truce and the release of hostages in Gaza, hours after U.S. CIA Director William Burns arrived in the Egyptian capital, according to Egyptian sources.