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.
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.
