Muslim travelers seeking countries in which they can feel welcome and safely travel have many options. From majority Islamic nations where the call to prayer echoes through the streets, to non-Islamic countries with Muslim-friendly facilities like halal restaurants and mosques.
Here are 11 destinations where Muslims can safely and comfortably travel. (Some of them may surprise you!)
Spain
Travel blogger, Ren, “The Travelette”, has visited over 35 countries worldwide. Her top choice is one she says accommodates all cultures, religions, social groups, tastes, and mentalities.
“Usually when we talk about safe countries for Muslim travelers we automatically think of other Muslim countries like Turkey. For me, that country was Spain.”
Japan
With more than 90 mosques and an abundance of halal food options, Japan is another Muslim-friendly destination.
“Japan is known for its respectful culture and polite locals,” says blogger Kareemah Ashiru. “There are many aspects of the Japanese culture that resonate with the Islamic way of life, one of which is cleanliness. I find it fascinating that although Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is the world’s largest metropolitan areas, it ranks high for being very clean. In both the Japanese and Islamic lifestyles, cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
“A Muslim traveler would be pleased to find out that in Japan, the majority of their toilets have high-tech bidets with different pressure and temperature levels to purify oneself. The Narita international airport and even some cafés have meditation rooms that Muslims can pray in.”
The Gambia
Sometimes we visit a country for sun and fun, but end up finding much more. This is exactly what happened to nurse Molly Sowe her first time in The Gambia.
“I am an American convert to Islam. Although, I had begun dabbling in Islamic theory and culture, I was still very much unacquainted at the time.”
Upon her arrival, Molly was greeted with smiles and kindness by everyone, and says she found a serenity in the Gambia she had never experienced before.
Pakistan
Angabin Naqvi and Sayed Sajjad Haider couldn’t help but feel nervous about their first visit to Pakistan.
“We were worried about security, so we tried to stay discreet about being foreigners. Little did we know, Pakistan would soon conquer our hearts— that was the first of many trips back.”
The husband and wife blogger duo felt safe, comfortable, and inspired in Pakistan, where they found cities rich in culture with plenty of flavorful halal cuisine.
“Lahore is our favorite city because of its vibrant history, a lot of it still remains intact today! You can see architectural masterpieces, tombs, mosques, and ancient cities inspired by the Mughal Era. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve preserved the history of the city while also continuing to advance surrounding areas with highly impressive malls and restaurants.”
“Islamabad, the capital, is nestled between green mountains and large hills. Most foreigners choose to go up north in Hunza Valley to see the most beautiful mountains and lakes of the country.”
Iceland
With it outdoor hot springs, ice caves, waterfalls, and miles and miles of semi-frozen and green countryside, Iceland offers much to explore.
Her first experience outside the country as an adult, photographer Maymunah Kelly felt very comfortable in Iceland.
“Aside from the chilling winds and short daylight hours, Iceland is a beautiful country. When you do come into contact with locals they’re nothing but sweet.”
“I noticed they’re often shy, but there was never hostility over the questions of my scarf, my garments or anything towards me or my companions; only questions out of curiosity.”
Tanzania
Religious freedom is celebrated in Tanzania, where people of various religions live in harmony. It’s no wonder that Muslims feel so content when visiting.
Tanzanians are extremely friendly, hospitable, and welcoming to foreign visitors. Halal food is plentiful, and modest dress is observed even by non-Muslim natives. Muslims will feel at home in gorgeous Zanizbar, Tanzania’s Muslim-majority island.
Morocco
With waterfalls, deserts, vibrant cities, and mountains, Morocco is a destination that’s at the top of many travel bucket lists.
“It’s a beautiful North African Muslim country with both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline,” says Breaking Borders author Adil Ismaaeel.
“No matter what city that’s visited, Muslim travelers feel a sense of familiarity. Morocco is filled with culture and has a rich and diverse Islamic history Muslims can appreciate.”
South Korea
We’ve all heard stories of South Korea and the curious and sometimes intrusive stares many foreigners receive while visiting. However, Malikka Moreaux, author of Kintsugi, reminds us to never judge a place based upon someone else’s experience.
“As a Black Muslim woman, I felt incredibly safe during the several weeks I spent in South Korea. I even spent the second half of Ramadan and Eid there, and it was an unforgettable experience.”
“The Itaewon district, also known as the foreigner district, has a plethora of halal options as, well, so I always felt there was plenty to eat during my time there.”
Turkey
Turkey is home to several Islamic museums and some of the world’s most breathtaking mosques.
“It’s a beautiful Islamic country that is welcoming to Muslims and non-Muslims from all over,” says Mohammed Alnajjar.
“There is safety, security, and stability, little racism or discrimination, and mosques everywhere. It’s also quite affordable, so definitely a country worth visiting.”
Mexico
Known for being an extremely hospitable and welcoming country, travel blogger Mutmainah Adeyemi, says Mexico is one of the safest countries she has visited as a Black Muslim hijabi.
United Arab Emirates
Muslims from all over visit the United Arab Emirates to marvel at its stunning Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. In addition to the more than 9,000 mosques spread throughout the seven Emirates, prayer rooms can be found at many business establishments, including malls and hotels.
A highly multicultural city, Dubai offers halal food of various different international cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Lebanese, Philippine, and of course, traditional Emirati dishes such as balaleat and al machboos. Dubai is also home to many malls and boutiques, where Muslims can shop for Islamic items, such as books, clothing, and decor.
