Source: Excerpt from the book “Aḥkām wa Masāʾil: In the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah” by Shaykh Mubashshir Ahmad Rabbānī ḥafiẓahullāh
What is the Islamic ruling on traveling abroad for tourism, such as visiting countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bangkok with the intention of sightseeing, especially in light of the Qur’anic verse:
“Travel through the land…”
Is such tourism permissible, considering that the environment in such countries is contrary to Islamic values?
In today’s times, the younger generation in particular — and the general public overall — are deeply distanced from the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
They are largely influenced by the customs and lifestyles of disbelievers and polytheists, and are often ignorant of basic Islamic beliefs and practices.
For such individuals, traveling to non-Muslim lands (bilād al-kufr) for the purpose of tourism or trade can be extremely harmful to their remaining connection with Islam.
It may result in further spiritual deterioration, and exposure to un-Islamic environments may weaken or completely erase religious commitment.
However, exceptions do exist — and permission is granted — if the purpose of traveling includes the following conditions:
① The person goes with the intention of daʿwah and tablīgh (Islamic propagation), following the path of the Prophets and Messengers عليه السلام.
② The person is strong and firm in their faith, and can safeguard their religious identity in those environments.
③ The person acts as a representative and ambassador of Islam, upholding and portraying Islamic values and etiquette.
If these objectives are fulfilled, then there is room for permissibility in Sharīʿah to travel to such lands.
This subject has also been discussed in detail in a previous article published in Majallah al-Daʿwah.
General recreational tourism to non-Muslim countries with un-Islamic environments is discouraged, especially for those who are religiously weak.
It is only permissible with clear and noble Islamic objectives, such as calling others to Islam, maintaining strong personal faith, or representing Islam honorably abroad.
And Allah knows best.
❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on traveling abroad for tourism, such as visiting countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bangkok with the intention of sightseeing, especially in light of the Qur’anic verse:
﴿ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ ﴾
“Travel through the land…”
Is such tourism permissible, considering that the environment in such countries is contrary to Islamic values?
❖ Answer:
In today’s times, the younger generation in particular — and the general public overall — are deeply distanced from the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
They are largely influenced by the customs and lifestyles of disbelievers and polytheists, and are often ignorant of basic Islamic beliefs and practices.
❖ Danger of Losing Religious Identity
For such individuals, traveling to non-Muslim lands (bilād al-kufr) for the purpose of tourism or trade can be extremely harmful to their remaining connection with Islam.
It may result in further spiritual deterioration, and exposure to un-Islamic environments may weaken or completely erase religious commitment.
❖ Permissibility Under Conditions
However, exceptions do exist — and permission is granted — if the purpose of traveling includes the following conditions:
① The person goes with the intention of daʿwah and tablīgh (Islamic propagation), following the path of the Prophets and Messengers عليه السلام.
② The person is strong and firm in their faith, and can safeguard their religious identity in those environments.
③ The person acts as a representative and ambassador of Islam, upholding and portraying Islamic values and etiquette.
If these objectives are fulfilled, then there is room for permissibility in Sharīʿah to travel to such lands.
This subject has also been discussed in detail in a previous article published in Majallah al-Daʿwah.❖ Conclusion:
General recreational tourism to non-Muslim countries with un-Islamic environments is discouraged, especially for those who are religiously weak. It is only permissible with clear and noble Islamic objectives, such as calling others to Islam, maintaining strong personal faith, or representing Islam honorably abroad.And Allah knows best.
