Travelling to Non-Muslim Countries – Shar‘ī Ruling and Essential Conditions
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām – ʿAqā’id Section, Page 173
What is the Shar‘ī ruling on travelling to non-Muslim countries?
And what if the purpose of travel is purely tourism?
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
Travelling to the lands of the disbelievers (diyār al-kufr) is not permissible unless three essential conditions are fulfilled. These conditions ensure the preservation of one’s dīn and guard against potential fitnah (tribulation).
◈ The individual must have sound Islamic knowledge that enables him to refute doubts and misconceptions presented by disbelievers.
◈ The traveller must have spiritual strength and piety, such that he can resist temptations, immoral influences, and sinful environments.
◈ The journey must be due to a real and valid need —
such as critical medical treatment, or
educational pursuits not available in Muslim countries.
◈ Travelling becomes impermissible.
◈ It poses a serious risk of fitnah in one’s belief, practice, and morals.
◈ Additionally, it often leads to wastage of wealth, due to high travel expenses.
If the purpose is:
◈ To seek medical treatment or
◈ Pursue essential education not accessible locally,
→ Then travelling is allowed, provided all the above conditions are met.
◈ Travelling solely for leisure or sightseeing in non-Muslim countries
→ Does NOT fall under the category of need.
◈ Therefore, such travel is not permitted in Sharī‘ah.
◈ Instead, Muslims should choose to travel to Islamic countries where Islamic values and symbols are observed.
◈ Alḥamdulillāh, many Muslim nations today offer beautiful tourist destinations that are suitable for families and spiritually safe.
◈ Such places can be visited during holidays without compromising one’s dīn.
Any exposure to immoral environments, immodesty, and religious dilution
— even under the guise of leisure —
can harm one’s faith and values, especially for youth and families.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām – ʿAqā’id Section, Page 173❖ Question:
What is the Shar‘ī ruling on travelling to non-Muslim countries?
And what if the purpose of travel is purely tourism?
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
Travelling to the lands of the disbelievers (diyār al-kufr) is not permissible unless three essential conditions are fulfilled. These conditions ensure the preservation of one’s dīn and guard against potential fitnah (tribulation).
Three Shar‘ī Conditions for Travelling to Non-Muslim Lands:
➊ Possession of Sufficient Religious Knowledge
◈ The individual must have sound Islamic knowledge that enables him to refute doubts and misconceptions presented by disbelievers.
➋ Strong Faith and Taqwā
◈ The traveller must have spiritual strength and piety, such that he can resist temptations, immoral influences, and sinful environments.
➌ Genuine Necessity
◈ The journey must be due to a real and valid need —
such as critical medical treatment, or
educational pursuits not available in Muslim countries.
If These Conditions Are Not Met:
◈ Travelling becomes impermissible.
◈ It poses a serious risk of fitnah in one’s belief, practice, and morals.
◈ Additionally, it often leads to wastage of wealth, due to high travel expenses.
❖ Travelling for Treatment or Education
If the purpose is:
◈ To seek medical treatment or
◈ Pursue essential education not accessible locally,
→ Then travelling is allowed, provided all the above conditions are met.
Travelling for Pure Tourism and Sightseeing
◈ Travelling solely for leisure or sightseeing in non-Muslim countries
→ Does NOT fall under the category of need.
◈ Therefore, such travel is not permitted in Sharī‘ah.
Preferred Alternative: Tourism in Islamic Countries
◈ Instead, Muslims should choose to travel to Islamic countries where Islamic values and symbols are observed.
◈ Alḥamdulillāh, many Muslim nations today offer beautiful tourist destinations that are suitable for families and spiritually safe.
◈ Such places can be visited during holidays without compromising one’s dīn.
Important Reminder:
Any exposure to immoral environments, immodesty, and religious dilution
— even under the guise of leisure —
can harm one’s faith and values, especially for youth and families.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
