BY DR MOHMED RAZIP HASAN

Ramadhan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , when Muslims are obliged to fast holistically , covering physical , emotional , and spiritual conduct , as it is one of the five pillars of faith in Islam .

This obligation has its terms and conditions , as well as guidelines and standards that are observed and obeyed according to the capability and conditions of an individual . Some are exempted for reasons allowed by Shariah rules .

During this month , Muslims are required to perform the obligatory deeds and duties completely and devotedly to their level best and seek to obtain the best rewards and returns .

This month of Ramadhan also provides us with the opportunities to enhance our worldview , emotional and cognitive capabilities , hearing and listening skills , generosity and care towards becoming better persons , appreciative and benefit others in the community and society .

During this time too , in Malaysia , tourism establishments like tourism boards , hotels , tour operators , public and private agencies , NGOs and individuals are offering such programmes as Ramadhan bazaar , mosque tours

“ This month of Ramadhan also provides us with the opportunities to enhance our worldview , emotional and cognitive capabilities , hearing and listening skills , generosity and care towards becoming better persons , appreciative and benefit others in the community and society .”

and participating in tarawih prayers at various leading mosques in the country , Ramadhan familiarisation & educational tours for travel agents , tour guides and media , lectures and classes and al-Quran recital series and Iftar ( Berbuka Puasa ) and many more .

All are organised and collaborated in respect , tolerance , trust , peace and harmony .

DEMAND AND VALUE CREATION

Travel is not something unfamiliar among Muslims . There are provisions and flexibilities applied to Muslims during travel , and implementing tourism and hospitality activities including during Ramadhan .

They usually plan and organise their travel well in advance and tailor it to their needs , particularly on tour programmes , attire , foods , and faith-based needs .

As in other months , Muslims also perform umrah in Mecca and Madinah and visit places of interest , historical places , and hallmarks of civilisation , which are packaged and promoted to Muslims in Muslim and non-Muslim countries .

Besides Muslims , Islamic tours also attract the interest of non-Muslims who want to know more about the legacies of Islamic civilisation and history , which are rich in tradition and precision in their innovations and contributions towards arts , culture , lifestyle , gastronomy , politics , economy , military , sci-