BY DR. MOHMED RAZIP HASAN

Adjunct Professor at Veritas University College( VUC), Fellow at Institute Tun Perak, Melaka

ments, suitable clothing and local culture.

Good planning also includes safety, emergency needs and avoiding places affected by disease, disaster or unlawful activities.

Respect for local law and authority is equally important. Muslims should avoid unnecessary confrontation, heated debate and involvement in vice.

Respect for local people, including non-Muslims, respect for the environment and awareness of cultural boundaries can make travel safer, smoother and more meaningful.

THE MANNERS OF EATING AND DRINKING

“ Modern travel has made journeys faster and more comfortable, but convenience should not replace preparation.”

Inspired by this hadith and considered in the context of tourism, travel etiquette is more than a set of social rules. It reflects the discipline, courtesy and respect tourists show wherever they go.

Whether travelling locally or abroad, whether alone or in groups, Muslim travellers are expected to observe good manners, respect local customs and uphold noble character.

Etiquette is sometimes treated as a minor matter compared with tour packages, accommodation, food, attractions and shopping. Yet when it is neglected, even a pleasant holiday can be marred by misunderstanding or discomfort.

Travel brings enjoyment to the body, but it also shapes the mind, heart and spirit. For this reason, etiquette deserves an important place in Islamic tourism.

Islam places great emphasis on manners, or adab, in everyday life, including how people speak, eat, visit, move and interact with others.

These include offering greetings of peace, seeking permission before entering private spaces, speaking responsibly, eating and drinking appropriately, visiting the sick, attending the mosque, travelling safely and participating respectfully in gatherings. Such practices show that a Muslim traveller is guided not only by destination but also by conscience.

The need for etiquette is particularly relevant given the scale of travel today. According to UN Tourism, an estimated

1.52 billion international tourists travelled globally in 2025.

The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 reported 196 million international Muslim arrivals in 2025 and projected 208 million for 2026.

Travel serves many purposes, including leisure, family visits, business, food, and health and wellness. Against this backdrop, four areas of etiquette merit particular attention: speech, travelling, eating and drinking, and visiting the sick.

THE MANNERS OF SPEECH

During travel, speech accompanies us at airports, hotels, restaurants, shops, tourist sites and in business meetings.

Careless words may lead to misunderstanding, falsehood, slander, or backbiting. In serious cases, they may even cause conflict with local communities or authorities.

For a Muslim traveller, the tongue should therefore be guarded with wisdom. Speaking politely, asking respectfully, and avoiding unnecessary arguments protect dignity and promote harmony.

This is particularly important in business travel, where meetings and negotiations require restraint, clarity and respect.

In Islam, travel is more than moving from one place to another. It is an opportunity to reflect on the signs of the Almighty, appreciate His creation, and return home with gratitude.

Modern travel has made journeys faster and more comfortable, but convenience should not replace preparation. Muslim travellers should consider their health, valid documents, prayer require-

Eating and drinking are familiar pleasures of travel, yet they also reveal a traveller’ s values.

Beyond seeking halal, clean and safe food, Muslims should practise moderation, gratitude and responsibility.

Islam discourages waste and excess. Therefore, choosing wisely, consuming mindfully and respecting local dining customs are part of refined travel etiquette.

A simple meal, eaten with humility, can become an expression of faith and appreciation.

THE MANNERS OF VISITING THE SICK

Medical, health and wellness tourism often highlights treatment, facilities and recovery. Yet the human side of care matters just as much.

Visiting the sick requires compassion, sensitivity and respect for the patient’ s condition. In hospitals, visitors should observe visiting hours, respect privacy and adhere to institutional rules.

At home, guests should avoid burdening the patient or the family. Gentle words, sincere supplications and a brief, kind visit can bring comfort while preserving dignity and rest.

JOURNEY OF MANNERS

Travel is not only about enjoying a holiday in comfort and style. For Muslim travellers, it is also a journey of manners, knowledge, courtesy and noble character.

When we travel with akhlaq, we carry with us an image of ourselves, our faith and our community.

Ultimately, a beautiful journey is measured not only by the places we visit but also by the character we show along the way.-