As Muslims, travelling the world is actually encouraged in our faith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself once said, "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation." (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:20).
When we travel, we get to witness the signs of Allah in different lands, meet fellow Muslims from all walks of life, and understand just how vast and beautiful our Ummah truly is.
Each trip we take to a city or a sacred place is a chance to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Islam. It’s an opportunity to stand in the mosques where great scholars prayed, to touch the grounds where our spiritual ancestors walked, and to pray in places that have echoed with the supplications of millions. That said, here are the must-visit destinations for every Muslim:
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city like no other. As Muslims, it’s a place that touches both our hearts and minds because of its deep Islamic heritage. Not only is it the city that straddles two continents (Europe and Asia), but it’s also the heart of the Ottoman Empire, which played a pivotal role in the history of Islam.
The Hagia Sophia, now a mosque, was once a church and later a mosque again, and walking inside it fills you with awe. Its grandeur is a reflection of the rich history of Islam, standing as a symbol of our faith's legacy in this region.
On a side note, safety and modesty go hand in hand when it comes to travelling as a Muslim woman. That’s why we recommend reading these must-know tips for Islamic women, because knowledge, like preparation, is a part of our faith.
Fez, Morocco
Fez is an ancient city that has stood for centuries as a pillar of Islamic culture and education. As Muslims, we feel a deep connection to this city because it is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, recognised by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world.
Imagine walking through the same corridors of knowledge where scholars have studied and taught Islam for over 1,000 years.
The air here is filled with the scent of spices, and you can watch artisans at work, creating beautiful pottery, leather goods, and textiles, much of it inspired by centuries of Islamic tradition.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a shining example of how Islamic tradition can blend seamlessly with modernity. This bustling metropolis is home to some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture, including the magnificent Jamek Mosque.
During Ramadan, Kuala Lumpur comes alive with the bustling pasar malam (night markets), where you can enjoy the halal foods Malaysia is famous for.
As you wander through the city, make sure to pack your backpack to carry your essentials and healthy snacks like dates for when you need a quick energy boost during your explorations.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, once a major stop on the Silk Road, is a city of significance for Muslims. It’s not only a place of stunning architecture but also home to the tombs of some of Islam’s most revered figures.
The city is where Kusam Ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is said to be buried. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit his tomb, located in a beautiful garden surrounded by pistachio trees.
The Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis, is another must-visit, where some of the greatest minds in Islamic history are buried.
Doha, Qatar
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting destinations for Muslim travellers.
One of the must-visit attractions in Doha is the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses one of the finest collections of Islamic art from around the world, spanning over 1,400 years of history. The Souq Waqif is a traditional market where you can buy everything from spices to traditional clothing. And of course, halal food is available everywhere, from fine dining to street food.
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand why these journeys are so important, it’s time to start planning your own trip. But before you go, don’t forget to prepare yourself with the essentials that will make your journey comfortable, fulfilling and aligned with the dignity of our faith.
You don’t want to be worrying about missing prayer because you couldn’t find clean clothes or not being able to join the tour group on a hike to a historic spot up the mountains because you didn’t pack compression socks or waterproof socks.
JLifestyle makes sure you’re ready, not just for the photos, but for the prayers, the reflections and the soul-soothing moments that truly matter.
Shop your travel essentials with JLifestyle and let your next trip be a spiritual awakening, not just a sightseeing tour.
Feature Image Source: Photo by ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash
