World Tourism Day – September 27

September 27, 2024

Reflections on Tourism from an Islamic Perspective

As we mark World Tourism Day on September 27, it is essential to reflect on the significance of travel and tourism from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut). Islam encourages travel not only for recreation but also as a means to attain spiritual growth, knowledge, and wisdom. This aligns with the broader objective of fostering unity, understanding, and respect among people, while also drawing lessons from the past.

Travel as a Means of Learning and Reflection

The Quran frequently invites people to travel the earth and reflect on the fate of those who came before them. This form of travel is not merely for pleasure but for gaining insights and drawing moral lessons. The Quran says: “Have they not traveled through the land and observed how the end was of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built upon it more than they have built, and their messengers came to them with clear evidence. And God would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:9)

This verse urges us to study the ruins and histories of past civilizations, recognizing that arrogance and corruption led to their downfall. Islamic tourism is not just about visiting beautiful places but about reflecting on human history and learning about the consequences of moral decay.

Religious Tourism: The Importance of Pilgrimage and Seeking Knowledge

In Islam, religious tourism holds a special place, particularly in the form of pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah), visiting the shrines of the Prophet and his family (p) (Ziyarat), and traveling to meet scholars and pious individuals. These travels are seen as acts of worship that bring spiritual rewards and strengthen one’s faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) said, “Seek knowledge, even if you have to go as far as China.” (Fatali Nishabouri, Rawdat al-Wa’izin, Vol. 1, p. 11.)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of traveling to acquire knowledge, showing that the journey in pursuit of wisdom is highly valued in Islam. Furthermore, the Prophet (pbuh&hp) and the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (p) stressed the significance of visiting the righteous and those known for their piety. Imam Ali (p) said: “Keep the company of scholars, so you may gain knowledge. And travel, for in travel there are five benefits: relief from sorrow, earning a livelihood, gaining knowledge, attaining the virtues of patience, and seeing the wonders of the world” (Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mostadrakul Wasael, vol. 8, p. 115).

Thus, Islamic religious tourism promotes both personal and collective growth, fostering a culture of learning and humility.

Ethical Guidelines for Travelers in Islam

While Islam encourages travel, it also provides guidelines on how to behave during the journey. These guidelines emphasize respect for local cultures, the environment, and the people one encounters.

One of the key principles in Islamic ethics is respect for local customs and traditions, particularly those of indigenous communities. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) warned against cultural arrogance and emphasized the importance of showing respect and kindness to others.

His Eminence, Sayyid al-Sistani, in his advice on January 9, 2016, to the faithful youth, quotes the saying of the Prophet (pbuh&hp): “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself and hates for his brother what he hates for himself.”

The hadith referenced by His Eminence has also been narrated in Sunni sources, with slight variations in wording. For example: “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 12)

This hadith can be extended to include respect for other cultures and peoples. As Muslims, we are taught to treat others with dignity, and this extends to respecting their customs, beliefs, and practices.

Another important guideline is environmental protection. The Prophet (pbuh&hp) and the Imams (p) emphasized the importance of preserving the natural environment, even during travel. It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh&hp) said: “Protect the earth, for it is your mother” (Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 7, p. 97). Referring to the earth as the “mother of people” could be an allusion to the verse, “From it We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We will bring you out once more” (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:55).

Islamic teachings instruct travelers to avoid causing harm to the environment. Littering, wasting water, or polluting nature is considered a violation of Islamic ethics. Travel should not result in damage to the earth, as the earth itself is a sign of God’s creation and must be respected.

Conclusion

On this World Tourism Day, as Muslims, we are reminded that tourism in Islam is not just about leisure but about reflection, learning, and spiritual growth. Whether we travel for religious pilgrimage, to gain knowledge, or to see the world’s wonders, we must adhere to the principles of respect for others and care for the environment. The Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and the Ahl al-Bayt (p) offer profound guidance on how to travel in a way that benefits not just the traveler but also the world around them.

Let us, as followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (p), continue to promote tourism that fosters mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and spiritual growth.