Muslim-friendly travel destinations are places where the needs of the Muslims are fulfilled and their religious sensibilities are respected. The places which are termed as Muslim-friendly are known for offering great products and services. The availability of halal food and amenities that Muslims use plays a key role in deciding the destination.Many people think that the number of Muslim-friendly travel destinations is very less. But that is not true. Muslim-friendly destinations are becoming increasingly popular nowadays with more places trying to expand their halal tourism in order to attract more Muslim travelers. Here are the top 10 Muslim-friendly destinations that are worth visiting.
1. Saudi Arabia – Home to the holy land of Makkah
The country is home to the most important religious sites of Muslims and the best among Muslim-friendly travel destinations around the world. It is where Muslims from all continents come together to perform the sacred pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Saudi’s history is rooted deep in the first steps, progressions, struggles and battles of Islam and prominent religious figures. Makkah and Madinah are the holiest cities, but all cities in Saudi Arabia have a lot to offer to travellers and tourists with varied interests. Since it is a Muslim country, everything is as per the preferences of Muslim travellers, irrespective of which part of the world they are coming from.
2. South Korea – The country with a Cosmo Soul
The Tourism board of South Korea has been spending years to make the destination accessible to Muslim travelers. You can find facilities for prayer in any destination of South Korea. The country is also known for providing a great variety of halal food options to the people. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, holds a halal food festival every year which is popularly known as the ‘Halal restaurant Week’. Beef bulgogi, spicy chicken jjimdak, and bibimbap are some of the special food offered by the various restaurants for Muslim travelers.
3. Maldives – World’s leading beach holiday destination
Maldives is primarily an Islamic country and therefore aligned with the specific requirements of Muslim travelers. Due to its proximity to the Middle East, it is now a popular holiday destination for Muslim couples and families. The jaw-dropping beauty and outstanding hospitality of this nation make it one of the most preferred tourist destinations around the world. There are plenty of ultra luxurious resorts that offer all kinds of exotic food, entertainment options, grooming and rejuvenation services, and water activities like Scuba and snorkeling for their guests. Resorts like Jumeirah Vittaveli also offer alcohol-free rooms, keeping in mind the Islamic religious sensibilities.
4. Japan – The prettiest of Muslim-friendly travel destinations
This place already has thousands of reasons to visit. The Summer Olympic Games are held in Tokyo after every four years and so the Japanese Tourism board makes certain arrangements for the comfort of the Muslim travelers. The arrangements include offering halal food and providing the facility for praying. You can also enjoy the authentic halal wagyu beef at the Sumiyakiya. However, Halal Ramen at Shinjuku-gyoen is a must-eat for all the Muslim travelers there.
5. Pakistan – Spellbinding nature, food, and music
The northern areas of Pakistan are something that is difficult to get hold of. This country is sharing its border with India, Afghanistan, and China, so, having a rich diversity of traditions, cuisines, and ethnicities. The markets in Pakistan are specially designed for Muslims because of the number of Muslims staying there. If you visit there, you must be present at the Karimabad town during the sunrise and look towards the south to view the three highest mountain peaks in the world.
6. Uzbekistan – Steeped in art, history, and intrigue
Uzbekistan has been craved for several years by great rulers which include Genghis Khan and Alexander of Macedon. There are many stories related to the place. For the last few years, the government of Uzbekistan has made the country completely transparent to tourists, especially Muslims, and made this place one of the top Muslim-friendly destinations. The sunrise at Registan Square is a must-visit.
7. Russia – A blend of culture, fashion & stunning architecture
Tatarstan is a republic of Russia that is located in the Eastern part of Europe. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan which is home to a large community of Tartar Muslims. The Qol Sharif Mosque is the most crowded area where Muslims from all over the world visit for its unique designs. You can experience the traditional food of Kazan which will make you feel the connection of Kazan with its Turkic tribal roots. Do not forget to try out the horse meat which is one of the best local delicacies eaten on special occasions.
8. Spain – Top of Muslim-friendly travel destinations in Europe
All major tourist-attracting cities in Spain are welcoming for Muslim guests. Right from hospitality to food makes you feel welcomed in every sense of the word and makes Spain stand among the best Muslim-friendly travel destinations of the world. Not just food, Spain also has some really beautiful mosques. Besides, the natural beauty of Spain, its scenic landscapes, and buzzing cultural life is truly a delightful experience. The most popular and most visited cities of Spain are Madrid – the capital city, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Granada.
9. Bosnia Herzegovina – Breathtakingly beautiful
The locals are well aware of the fact that Bosnia Herzegovina is rich in Islamic history. This country was actually the main province of the Ottoman Empire. Still, now the legacy of the Ottoman can be discovered through exploring the wealth of Islamic architecture. You may find a clock tower which is considered the last public lunar clock tower showing the accurate times for prayer. Very close to the clock tower, there is the largest mosque in Bosnia Herzegovina where you can pray. Sarajevo provides a broad diversity of activities and you can also have experiences in and around Sarajevo.
10. Cyprus – The island of love
Cyprus is one of the most popular Muslim-friendly destinations located in Europe. It offers the opportunity to explore a Halal holiday in Europe no matter which region you choose in Cyprus. If you visit Cyprus, you will get a wide variety of halal foods served at different restaurants. This destination is taking great measures for bringing more Muslim travelers. Cyprus is a beautiful place that is bordered to the south by Turkey and to the east by the Mediterranean Sea. The place consists of a wide range of Islamic mosques and landmarks which will help you to learn more about the rich history of Islam.
In all these countries Muslims can experience warm hospitality by the locals and enjoy a great stay along with the natural beauty, architectural wonders, traditional experiences, and the great food available.
Which is the safest country for Muslims?
Turkey is considered as the safest country for Muslims as its values are a beautiful blend of the Western civilizations and Islam.
Which are some of the halal-friendly countries?
Halal is the Arabic term for permissible. Halal country refers to the country that adheres to Islamic law as described in the holy Quran. Hence, the top halal countries are Cyprus, Orlando, Fujairah, and Northern Cyprus.
Which is the most beautiful Muslim country?
Among the other countries, Morocco is considered one of the most beautiful Muslim countries in the world for its buzzing cities, snowy mountains, great food menus, sandy deserts, and amazing beaches.
What is a Muslim-friendly destination?
A Muslim-friendly destination refers to the countries where Muslim people and their religious sensibilities are welcomed and accepted wholeheartedly.
Does Islam permit tourism?
Yes, all tourism activities are allowed in Islam. The only condition is that the intention for travel must not contradict the Islamic law and must not cause harm to the tourist or the society.
