Planning to Travel to an Islamic Country
When you plan a trip to a Muslim country, learning a bit about the culture will take you a long way. There are some Muslim societies that are more conservative and stricter than others. They may be more conservative with their rules and laws, so make sure you do your research on your destination.
Not all Muslim countries are created equally. Clear your head from what you see in the media about Muslim countries. And open your mind, travel the world and see for yourself.
Do Your Research
Just like any other travel destination, learn some of the norms of the country. When you shop at the market or eat the food, know what is expected of you as a visitor. People that follow Islam are vastly different from one another when it comes to culture and customs. Just as there are various levels of Christianity and Judaism.
A teenager in Europe can purchase alcohol or have a wine with dinner. Whereas in the US, it’s illegal to purchase alcohol under that age of 21.
Traveling to some Muslim countries there will be many things that are different than a more western way of life. Hopefully this is what draws you and others to these travel destinations.
Embrace the Traditions & Culture
For almost 2 decades my family has had first-hand experience understanding some of the daily practices of Islamic culture. Being a host family to a number of Muslim high school foreign exchange students, all of which were vastly different in their Islamic practices. For example, some of the girls wore hijabs and some did not.
Learning from young Muslims from Kyrgyzstan to Bangladesh, Gaza Strip to Indonesia. I’ve had years of up close and personal intercultural experiences right in my living room. Although we had many religious and cultural differences there were so many similarities.
Awaken in Malaysia – Our First Call to Prayer
During our first night in Malaysia, I was awakened at about 5:15 am by the Islamic Call to Prayer. Although I had read about hearing the call to prayer. I had never heard it in person. It was a beautiful sound and something to be experienced.
I quickly woke up my kids so they could hear it too. We stood looking out the hotel window in awe as the beautiful melodious voice was calling his people to their first morning prayer.
This spiritual call is the reminder to those of the Islamic faith to perform their first of 5 prayers a day. In the USA there is no nationwide call of prayer, but they now have apps that sound to help remind you about the times throughout the day.
Tips When Visiting an Islamic Country
1. Do your research
Do your research on whichever country you will be traveling to. There are so many books, blogs, and information out there on any country you want to visit. Get to know their customs, norms, national food dishes and where the locals hang out.
2. Learn about the culture and customs
Guests in a Muslim home should not eat with their left hand, as the left hand is considered unclean – or your bathroom hand. Many times, Muslim women do not shake the hands of a man who is not in their family. Instead, a woman will touch her heart as a gesture of respect
When visiting a Muslim country, it is expected that you will dress modestly. Spaghetti straps and belly shirts will bring you trouble.
At times public spaces may be segregated, and you will find separate entrances or seating areas for men and women.
Refrain from public displays of affection, hand holding, hugging kissing is discouraged.
Seek permission before photographing locals or photographing inside of a mosque
Be respectful during prayer times.
Shops and stalls will close briefly during prayer times, so be patient.
3. Do not miss out on the food
Muslims do not eat pork of any kind or drink alcohol.
Many Muslim practice communal eating, where everyone eats from the same plate, dish or bowl.
Eating in this manner is usually done with your hands.
As a foreigner, it will probably be okay to ask for a spoon, but wash your hands and try using your fingers…do as the locals do.
Note: Try not to eat with your left hand, but as a left-handed foreigner (including myself) most will understand.
Do not pick up things, hand over money or gifts or gesture with your left hand.
Many Muslims will only buy, cook and eat Halal meat, similar to the Orthodox Jewish consumption of Kosher products.
4. Pork and alcohol may be hard to find
You probably will find very little, ham, sausage or pork products in a few Islamic countries.
So, get your fill of pepperoni pizza before you leave home.
Many Muslims do not drink alcohol. But alcohol may be served in the fancier hotels in some Muslim countries.
You will find the locals are very hospitable and will invite you to eat and eat some more.
5. Visiting the Islamic Mosque
If you are a female visiting a mosque, prepare for the following;
1. Remove your shoes
2. Wear a scarf to cover your head
3. Will Enter a separate door from the men and boys
Note: Make sure you have your own head scarf, or one will be provided for you.
In some mosques you must also wear an abaya or long traditional robe over your clothing, again one will be provided for you if necessary; or Abayas are readily available for purchase at shops and stalls
6. Visiting During Ramadan
If you have a chance to travel to a Muslim country during Ramadan or Eid; It’s an experience of a lifetime Although the daytime is slow and quiet and some restaurants may be closed… Once the sun goes down, the delicious food comes out and the locals come alive.
My Introduction to Ramadan
My introduction to Ramadan came when my family hosted for a year our first Muslim girl.
I asked my host daughter, what would her mother back home normally do during Ramadan. Listening to the daily routine for Muslim women during Ramadan was exciting but seeingly a lot of work. But, as her new host mom, I wanted to show her support and learn as much as I can about her religion.
An example of our Ramadan Routine for our Exchange Students
Wake up about 4:45 am before the sun arrives
I would have prepared, a rice dish and usually boiled or scrambled eggs and a vegetable. – The idea is to eat before the sun rises and hopefully that will hold all day until the sun goes down at dusk.
But… When Ramadan happens in August, the sunset does not happen until 9:00 pm here in USA. Unlike in their home country when the sun sets at about 6:00 pm.
Also, most of the exchange students arrive in the USA in August at the start of practice for soccer, field hockey and other high school fall sports. Meaning all day with no food and no water while running around in the hot summer sun, in a hijab practicing soccer drills.
What I learned that helped during Ramadan was to always have plenty of healthy food around the house. Whole grains, quality bread, fruits, nuts for my Muslim teens to eat before the sun rises during the month of Ramadan.
Of course, they would rather eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Frosted Flakes, but that is not going to sustain them all day.
Over the next 30 days after the sun went down, I made sure we always had medjool dates to break the fast. And for 30 days I cooked a hearty dinner each night. It was a small sacrifice for my exchange student to have an experience of a lifetime during Ramadan in the USA.
Non-Muslims Have Snacks on Hand During Ramadan
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit 3 different Muslim countries during Ramadan.
My number one tip when traveling during Ramadan, if you are not a Muslim, is to bring a few snacks ahead of time; if you know you cannot practice fasting all day, as finding food during the day can be difficult.
However, eat your snacks and drink your liquids, discreetly, it’s a matter of respect to those who are fasting and cannot eat or drink until the sun does down.
Finding food may not be impossible, as there are other religions in most Muslim countries, but even non-Muslims try to respect the holiness of Ramadan.
And by that many shops and stores are closed until after sunset when Muslims can “break the fast” and begin eating and drinking water again.
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest Islamic months.
It’s also one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The pillars are five principles which Muslims believe are compulsory acts ordered by God.
Muslims believe that some of the first verses of the Islamic holy book, called the Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan extra emphasis is placed on reciting the Quran.
Fasting is an act of worship, which enables Muslims to feel closer to God and strengthen their spiritual health and self-discipline.
What happens at Eid al- Fitr?
30 days after the last day of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr. Many Muslims will attend Eid prayers at their mosque
It’s a tradition to wear new clothes and on the way to the mosque, eat something sweet such as a date, and recite a small prayer called a takbeer.
Before Eid prayers, Muslims are also required to pay an amount to charity zakaat al fitr to help feed the poor.
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims share large meals with friends and family, and exchange money and gifts
If you want to greet someone or wish them well at Eid, the greeting is “Eid Mubarak.”
Female Solo Travelers
Western solo females in Muslim countries may get unwanted attention with stares and whistles. But it’s no different than the whistles we get walking down the street in Ghana or on the beach in Miami during spring break.
