8 Islamic reasons why Muslims should travel the world in the year 2023. Traveling can be a rewarding and enriching experience for Muslims. It provides an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures and ways of life. But there are also many specific reasons why Muslims should consider traveling more. From fulfilling the commandment to see the world and seek knowledge, to strengthening faith and spirituality, to making the most of this temporary life, there are numerous Islamic reasons to travel. In this article, we will explore 8 of these reasons in more detail, highlighting the benefits of travel for Muslims and how it can enrich our lives and our faith. So, let’s take a closer look at the following 8 Islamic reasons to why Muslims should travel the world in the year 2023?
1. Islam places a strong emphasis on the importance of travel and exploration
The Quran encourages Muslims to travel and see the world as a way to reflect upon Allah’s creation and humble themselves. This is reflected in several verses in the Quran such as, “And travel through the earth and see how He began creation” (29:20) and “And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said, “My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshiping idols.” (14:35).
2. Increase in understanding and appreciation of the diversity within the Muslim community
By traveling to different countries and meeting Muslims from different cultures, one can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity that exists within the Muslim community. This can help to break down stereotypes and promote unity and understanding within the community. Additionally, the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime.
3. Strengthening faith and spirituality
Visiting holy sites, such as the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina, and participating in religious rituals and practices in different countries can help to deepen one’s spiritual connection to Islam.This pilgrimage is seen as a way to purify the soul and deepen one’s faith. Pilgrims are required to travel back and forth seven times between both Safa and Marwa, while performing this ritual Muslims have to recite the following verse from the Quran:
Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwah1 are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs the pilgrimage or minor pilgrimage,2 let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing (Chapter 2 verse 158).
This verse is written beautifully in big blocks on the ceiling above Safa and Marwah. One of our Muslim brothers who contributed in writing this blog shared his personal experience while performing Umrah. He said while walking between Safa and Marwah and reciting the above verse, he thought that we have to walk again and again and have to repeat this verse, of course we have to follow the Sunnah of prophet Ibrahim’s wife peace be upon her but also he says that verse is stressing on doing good things willingly and Allah is appreciative of those who do good things willingly. He says the lesson that he learnt was to never stop giving up on doing good things willingly even if we had to walk between two hills over and over again.
4. Increase in one’s knowledge and understanding
Islam also places a strong emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Traveling can be an excellent way to expose oneself to new ideas and cultures that can broaden one’s understanding of the world and different perspectives. This is reflected in several verses in the Quran such as, “And say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)
5. A means for fulfilling the purpose of life
Traveling can be seen as a way to fulfill the purpose of life, which is to worship Allah and seek knowledge. The Quran reminds us that this life is temporary and we should make the most of it. By traveling, one can experience new things and make the most of one’s time on earth. Additionally, traveling to visit sick family or friends can be an opportunity to fulfill the commandment to visit the sick, which is highly encouraged in Islam.
6. To foster cross-cultural understanding and tolerance
Traveling to different countries can help to expose one to different cultures and ways of life, which can foster a greater understanding and tolerance of other cultures and perspectives. This can help to break down stereotypes and promote peace and harmony between different communities.
7. To improve language skills
Traveling to countries where a different language is spoken can be an excellent way to improve language skills. It can also help to improve one’s pronunciation and accent. By hearing native speakers on a regular basis, one can learn the subtleties of the language, such as intonation and stress patterns, which are difficult to learn from a textbook alone. Moreover, by interacting with locals, one can also learn about the cultural customs and mannerisms associated with the language, which can help to improve communication and make one feel more comfortable in the culture.
8. To learn about the history and culture of different nations
Traveling can be an excellent way to learn about the history and culture of different nations. By visiting historical sites and museums, one can gain a deeper understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present. An example of learning about the history and culture of different nations through travel is visiting Egypt and seeing the mummy of the Pharaoh Ramses II and also learning about the story of conversion of French physician and scientist Dr. Maurice Bucaille.
Dr. Bucaille was a French physician and scientist who, in the 1970s, was asked by the Egyptian government to examine the mummy of the pharaoh Ramses II. During his examination, Dr. Bucaille was struck by the advanced medical knowledge displayed in the mummification process, which he believed could not have been known at the time of Ramses II’s reign. This led him to study the Quran and the teachings of Islam more closely, and eventually led to his conversion to Islam.
Dr. Bucaille’s story is notable because it illustrates how the study of ancient history and culture can lead to a deeper understanding of Islam and its teachings. In his book “The Bible, the Quran and Science”, Dr. Bucaille argues that the Quran contains scientific facts that were not known at the time it was written, which he believes is evidence of its divine origin. His conversion also highlights the impact of scientific discoveries on the understanding of islamic history, and how they can contribute to the appreciation of Islamic culture and history. It also shows how the study of history can lead to a deeper understanding of the faith, and how scientific discoveries can be used to support the religious beliefs.
In conclusion, Dr. Maurice Bucaille’s story of conversion to Islam through his examination of the mummy of the pharaoh Ramses II illustrates how the study of ancient history and culture can lead to a deeper understanding of Islam and its teachings, and how scientific discoveries can be used to support the religious beliefs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, travel in Islam is seen as a way to reflect upon Allah’s creation, appreciate the diversity within the Muslim community, strengthen faith and spirituality, perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, seek knowledge and understanding, gain a greater appreciation of the unity of the Muslim community, fulfill the purpose of life and make the most of this temporary life, fulfill the commandment to visit the sick, and to be a representative of Islam.