Halal tourism is a subcategory of tourism which is geared towards Muslim families who abide by the rules of Islam. Muslim tourists are always eager to travel to areas where they find a similar environment to their Islamic culture and a free and friendly environment for them to perform their religious duties.
Halal is a term that refers to any permitted practices by Islamic Law, including food, behaviour or manners, clothing, etc. and Muslim friend destinations are those who have been adapted to the needs of Muslim tourists
The problems that Muslims usually face when travelling to non-Muslim countries are as follows:
Availability of halal food
Countries, where halal food is available, are attractive for Muslims to visit. Islam has forbidden alcohol, so whenever Muslims travel to a place, they have a keen eye for sightseeing in an area where alcohol-free food is available.
Suitable places to perform prayers
Muslims pray five times a day, so even for leisure, Muslims look for places where they do not face any difficulty in performing their religious duties.
For example, where there is no difficulty in recognizing the availability of a holy place for prayers, places of ablution and the time of prayers, and the Qiblah (direction to offer the prayer) could be determined easily.
If Muslims stay in a place during the month of Ramadan, there must be proper arrangements for Sehri and Iftari and Taraweeh for them.
Separate leisure areas
Islam forbids free mixing between men and women, so whenever Muslims go on holiday, there must be separate places for men and women, such as separate swimming pools and saunas.
Islam does not allow tourism to any area where their property, honour and life are in danger. But it is gratifying that by the grace of Allah, Muslims in European countries are being provided with an environment according to the true Islamic spirit that is admirable and attractive. As we know that European countries are among the developed nations, so some Muslim researchers travel to these areas for knowledge or research as well.
Safety and dress code
For Muslims women, it is essential to be somewhere where they feel comfortable wearing their hijab, places where people will not stare at them just because they dress more modestly and use a headscarf.
Modesty in clothing and behaviour, the ability to avoid drunk people who can make them uncomfortable are also crucial aspects when choosing a place to visit.
It is very gratifying that many countries in Europe are taking significant steps in promoting halal tourism. We happily believe in religious freedom, Portugal is a country which accommodates all regions, and we are keenly interested in providing facilities for Muslim tourists according to their faith, which will enable Muslims to travel to our country without having to worry about too many details.
Portugal is Halal Friendly.