Motivation for Muslim Travellers to the Holy City of Jerusalem

This paper discusses and explores empirical and personal insights into religious tourism and pilgrimage, exploring it from a Muslim pilgrims’ perspective, reflecting on characterisations and motivations and discussing the sacred Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the Holy Mosque (Makkah) to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Travel is important for Muslims. Indeed, it was during the journey of Miraj that Allah ordered Muslims to pray the five daily prayers. The concept of Islam is not merely praising Allah (SWT). Islam also means to serve society according to the directions of Allah (SWT) and the teachings of his final Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). Islam strongly prohibits divisiveness of community or society in terms of sociological groups, racism and sectarianism. Thus, the main purpose of Muslim visitors when visiting pilgrimage sites is holistic, to enhance their knowledge, find pleasure, love and to offer dedication. Muslim visitor’s motivation for pilgrimage to sites such as Al Aqsa Mosque is to offer prayers and visit the holy site. This paper will begin with a brief discussion on the Islamic approach to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and explain the principles on which Islamic values for society are based according to the teachings Allah (SWT) and the perfect examples of his Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The paper will also explore the journey of Miraj and will offer discussion on pilgrimage engagement in religious rituals at the holy city of Jerusalem

The Importance of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage: reflecting on definitions, motives and data

This discussion paper explores the topic of religious tourism and pilgrimage, examining it from a tourism industry perspective, reflecting on definitions, motivations and scale of the ‘product’ as reported at a global level. Mindful of the fact that international records of religious tourism are scant to say the least, this is an attempt to bring together definitions, classifications and data which come from a variety of sources. The paper draws together understandings from different religious traditions, presenting data and motivations on a variety of pilgrimage types. As the paper demonstrates, this ‘niche’ product is indeed enormous, and if industry projections are correct, is set to become an even more important element of international travel and tourism

Development of Mosque Tourism Framework as a Tool to Reduce Islamophobia

The geopolitical situation since September 11th has witnessed the development of terrorist acts and the over mediatized notion of radicalisation and religious extremism. Terrorism prones the suppression of liberty, gender equality, critical thinking and tolerance while adhering to strict principles referencing the Sharia Law which are associated to Islam. Consequently terrorism and Islam have often been linked with significant ramifications for the Muslim communities. Terrorism has always existed, however the “new wave of extremism” is unique under the self-proclaimed Islamic State because it does not require well-planned actions with commendatory groups and it rather encourages isolated and individual command and ownership of terrorist attacks worldwide. Therefore, implying that everywhere, everyone could be a potential victim. However, Scott and Jafari (2010), Raj and Sarwar (2016) and Raj and Raja (2017) argues that the Muslim community is the most at risk as they have become the victims of a dual system: Victims of terrorist attacks which are carried as well as victims of the misconception that by sharing the same religion with the perpetrators of those attacks, they somehow are responsible and at fault. Therefore, Muslims communities have to suffer terrorism, extremism and islamophobia in their home countries and abroad while travelling. Tourism in this context has developed to accommodate with the geopolitical situation with the emergence of Islamic and Halal Tourism allowing Muslim tourists to travel in a safe and religious conscious environment while allowing non-Muslims to understand and experience Muslim destinations and Halal concepts. Mosque Tourism has been identified as the central element of Islamic Tourism. In this context, this paper offers to present Islamophobia and its components as well as to explain how it impacts tourism. Tourism has often been identified as a suitable activity to diffuse socio-cultural conflicts and tension as it allows hosts and tourists to engage and benefit from each other. Similarly, Mosque Tourism could become the redeemer of Muslim communities. The purpose of this paper is to consider the Mosque Tourism Framework as a suitable tool to reduce Islamophobi