Can Muslims go on holiday to non-Muslim countries?
Yes. Muslims can go on holiday to non-Muslim countries, and most scholars see nothing wrong with it. Islam actually encourages travel to see the world and reflect on Allah's creation. The conditions are simple: keep your prayers, eat halal, and stay away from what's haram while you're there.
Travel is encouraged in Islam
The Quran invites people to travel and look around them with open eyes.
It also describes the earth as made easy for us, telling us to "walk among its slopes and eat of His provision" (Quran 67:15). Mountains in Switzerland, national parks in the USA, the fjords of Norway or an old city in Italy can all be reminders of Allah's greatness. Many Muslims in Europe and the USA also travel to see family, which is part of good ties of kinship.
What about the scholars who discourage it?
Some scholars, especially in the past, discouraged traveling to non-Muslim lands for pleasure, worried about people losing their faith or practice there. Most contemporary scholars, including those serving Muslims in the West, say it's permissible as long as you can practice your religion and avoid sin. If you already live in a non-Muslim country, this concern hardly applies, and in Europe and the USA you're free to pray, fast and eat halal almost anywhere.
Keeping your deen on holiday
- Prayer: as a traveler you can shorten prayers, and most schools let you combine them, which makes sightseeing days easier. See How do I pray while traveling home for the holidays?
- Food: look for halal places, or choose seafood and vegetarian dishes.
- Alcohol and nightlife: skip the bars, pub crawls and clubs, even "just to watch."
- Gambling: casinos in Las Vegas or Monaco are a no.
- Places of worship: visiting a famous cathedral or temple as a tourist is fine for most scholars; just don't join in the worship.
Beaches and resorts
Beaches are allowed in themselves, but they're often where modesty gets tested. Many Muslims choose quieter beaches, go early in the morning, or pick halal-friendly resorts with separate pools for women and men, popular in Turkey and elsewhere. Wear swimwear that covers your awrah, like a burkini for women or knee-length shorts for men, and lower your gaze. See Can I still go swimming at a public pool as a Muslim?
A cruise is another popular option with its own questions. See Can I still go on a cruise as a Muslim?
- Holidays in non-Muslim countries are permissible for most scholars.
- The Quran encourages travel to reflect on creation.
- Keep praying, eat halal and avoid alcohol, gambling and nightlife.
- Choose beaches and resorts that let you stay modest.
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