July-August. 2025

12 Guidelines

JAKIM drafts official guidelines to support the development of respectful and Shariah-compliant mosque tourism

Beyond their religious function, many mosques now serve as welcoming spaces for tourists to learn about Islamic heritage, community life and local traditions. This evolving role highlights the growing importance of mosque tourism within the country ' s broader Islamic tourism landscape.

The Mosque Tourism Roundtable( MTRT) is a collaborative programme between the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM). It will be held from 13 to 15 July 2025 at Perdana Hotel, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

The event will gather 100 participants, comprising mosque officials and committee members from selected mosques across Malaysia that are involved in tourism initiatives.

" The programme aims to encourage the active participation of mosque management in the tourism sector, allowing mosques to play a role as da ' wah agents through the approach of mosque tourism,” shared Osman Abu Bakar, deputy director for Mosque Management, Da’ wah Division, JAKIM.

Osman Abu Bakar

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“ It also aims to enhance governance practices by providing a platform for strategic discussion and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address issues related to mosque tourism. This initiative represents a strategic step towards enhancing the Islamic tourism ecosystem in Malaysia.”

Osman also highlighted that each mosque designated for tourism should establish a dedicated Mosque Tourism Secretariat to manage all related activities.

This secretariat is tasked with overseeing the overall tourism management of the mosque, deploying Mosque Tourist Guide Volunteers( SPPM) during visit sessions, and coordinating visitor schedules while keeping tourism programme information up to date. It also manages the responsibilities of mosque tour guides and ensures that relevant information is readily accessible to visitors.

Additionally, the secretariat must provide suitable visitor attire, such as robes, that are clean, appropriate and well-maintained.

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He added that this structured approach allows mosque tourism to be carried out with full respect for religious sensitivities while enriching the visitor experience in a manner that aligns with Islamic values.

DIRECTION ON MOSQUE TOURISM

“ JAKIM, as the coordinating agency at the federal level, sees the need to introduce an official certification framework for mosques involved in tourism.

“ This is to ensure that all mosques participating in mosque tourism programmes comply with established guidelines and uphold the standards of Islamic hospitality.

“ We support the efforts by ITC in introducing initiatives such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH). We believe that mosque tourism certification can be integrated into this framework, ensuring mosques are not only ready to receive visitors but also serve as effective platforms for da’ wah,” shared Osman.

GUIDELINES ON MOSQUE TOURISM AND VISITS

Osman explained that JAKIM developed the Guidelines on Mosque Tourism and Visits to provide a clear framework for implementing respectful, authentic and Shariah-compliant mosque tourism.

He shared that the guidelines serve several objectives, including: Ensuring uniformity in the implementation of mosque tourism nationwide. Promoting mutual understanding, coordination and collaboration between tourism operators and mosque administrators. Safeguarding the sanctity, cleanliness and overall integrity of mosques involved in tourism.

The Mosque Tourism Roundtable

Osman Abu Bakar, deputy director for Mosque Management, Da’ wah Division, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM), highlighted that the Mosque Tourism Roundtable( MTRT) was expected to achieve several key outcomes: Expanding the role of mosques as global centres of da’ wah He said mosques should not only serve as places of worship but also as platforms to share Islamic teachings with both domestic and international tourists. Addressing misconceptions about Islam He noted that the programme gives non- Muslim visitors the opportunity to learn about Islam directly through their experiences at the mosque, including asking questions and observing Islamic culture and values in practice. Upholding the sanctity of the mosque He emphasised that the initiative is designed to ensure all visits are conducted with proper etiquette and respect for religious sensitivities, safeguarding the mosque’ s role as a sacred space. " With the involvement of mosque committee members and imams in this roundtable, it is hoped that they will gain valuable insights into managing mosque tourism effectively.

“ Naturally, mosque tourism must follow established guidelines to ensure that the mosque remains a sacred space for the Muslim community while at the same time enabling tourism activities to take place."- RnR