@Halal November/December 2022 | Page 18

Advocate Islamic tourism to next level Travellers should not simply travel and then return home
18

Opinion

@ Halal | November-December . 2022

Advocate Islamic tourism to next level Travellers should not simply travel and then return home

WHEN there is a clear grasp of Islam , a good and solid foundation for Islamic knowledge can emerge . Islamic doctrine does not forbid worldly pursuits .

It is necessary to integrate the worldly and hereafter aspects . We cannot split it . Regarding the commercialisation of Islamic tourism into regular tourism , Muslim travellers should be exposed for their intended purposes and in an appropriate place with detailed pricing and advertising .
Notably , a Muslim traveller must aspire to be a Muhsin ( benefactor ). Allah mentions al-Muhsinin in Surah al-Imran verse 148 of the Quran ( those who do good ). A Muhsin is a kind person who performs good deeds , while Ihsan is goodness .
Ihsan can also imply perfection and excellence or demonstrate proficiency and perfection . As a result , the Arabic term Ihsan may be thought to have two meanings : goodness and greatness . Muslims must aim for excellence , proficiency , and perfection in all suitable activities .
Indeed , the best practice cannot be achieved unless people strive to get the best results in whatever they do . If we are travellers , we should not simply go to travel and then return home . We should strive to improve our thankfulness to Allah the Almighty .
If we are tour guides , we should not only provide information about the place , but we should also strive to make a favourable influence on our consumers and add to their knowledge . Maintaining Ihsan is something Allah the Almighty requires of us .
Ihsan in the relationship with Allah the Almighty
Interestingly , performing good things is considered Ihsan . However , doing good by striving for perfection is the ideal practice . However , the best sort of Ihsan is Ihsan in the relationship with Allah the Almighty , our Creator . Worship Allah the Almighty as though we can see Him , and even if we cannot , realise that He sees us .
As a result , the development of Islamic tourism has been shaped . The branding utilised to instil and implement the approach may be observed in the Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality ( MFTH ) brand . Knowledge of Islamic tourism application and development had been included in how the concept can be used in tourism destinations .
To gain a deeper understanding , the understanding and appreciation of Shariah objectives ( Maqasid al-Shariah ) might be considered a benchmark . This is because religious ( deen ) protection is not solely outward . In Islam , Allah the Almighty commands us to obey all orders and refrain from doing anything forbidden .
Individuals cannot separate their faith from their daily lives . Good or polite looks , for example , as a guide to covering the aurah . Similarly , with performing prayers and practical Muslim knowledge of halal and haram . This does not just apply to travellers , organisers , and stakeholders , especially those involved in Islamic tourism . Qudwah Hasanah ( good example ) is in command .
People would remark that controlling a man ’ s way of life is complicated . They are more knowledgeable about what they do . Yes , in part , this is correct . However , in another aspect , we act in a “ normal ” manner that is contrary to Islam .
In Islamic law , forbidding what is permissible and allowing what is prohibited is equivalent to appointing partners to Allah the Almighty . For example , consider the Halloween holiday . Why was it honoured by a Muslim when it is obvious that it is forbidden ?
We are currently dealing with the mind of war . The Western way governs how we think and act . So , how can we defend our deen if it becomes identical to another religion ?
When going on Islamic tourism , it is critical to protect one ’ s life . When people leave their everyday lives , they become strangers . At this stage , action is dependent on their knowledge . Life insurance , for example , is not required for tourists when travelling .
When going on Islamic tourism , it is critical to protect one ’ s life . When people leave their everyday lives , they become strangers . At this stage , action is dependent on their knowledge . Life insurance , for example , is not required for tourists when travelling .”
BY DR SITI SYAHIRAH SAFFINEE LECTURER , UNIVERSITI SAINS ISLAM MALAYSIA ( USIM )
Need to be wherever we are
It occurs because we tend to base our decisions on what we know and what we have control over . Returning to our shariah objectives , what should we do if something uncontrollable occurs ? We need to be wherever we are , have a positive effect , and be prepared because we are Muslims .
Another component of Shariah ’ s goal is the protection of one ’ s thinking . There are two methods for keeping it safe when travelling . One is in terms of supply ( tourism stakeholder ), which is accomplished by providing clear information on Islamic tourism .
The second is demand ( traveller ), which is demonstrated by being willing to adapt knowledge . We must expand our understanding . Travelling is one method of gaining information . For the time being , it is widely accepted that cigarettes and alcohol are both prohibited . Cigarettes and alcohol are both harmful to the brain and health .
However , there are still many people who make unlawful activities their way of life . Returning to travel , it is not the appropriate time to engage in activities that are harmful to one ’ s mind and health .
Malaysia is on the right track . We are ranked first in the world for Islamic tourism . We begin innovation and seek to give customers the confidence to purchase anything . Developing and maintaining such a reputation is not a “ modern world ” concept . It is Islam , our religion .
In conclusion , to reach greatness and perfection ( Ihsan ) in this world and bring Islamic tourism to the next level , we must enhance our Islamic leadership since Islamic law requires it . If others lead us , we will always lag .
Therefore , we must improve our condition today , and when we do , God will change the situation of our entire country , and we shall lead the nation . Allahu ’ alam . –