Respectful & serious question for muslims?

Question

If I went to visit a friend in a muslim country to where I have never in my life been to a muslim country do they have muslim (religious) laws that I would have to abide by if I came to visit and what would I need to do?
I don't believe in Allah oryour prophet Muhammed but I am more than willing to show you respect for your beliefs like wearing certian clothesetc. etc.

Answer 1

First of all, I am very happy the respectfullness (which you warned about lol) with which you asked that because most of the time muslims don't get such curtosy in the questions ; )
So to answer that, it really depends on which country you were going to. Some countries apply the Sharia (Islamic law) so it would probably more strict i presume. Other countries that are maybe very touristic (moroco, turkey etc) are much more used to be around non-muslims. However if you want to be "in" by showing respect, just dress modestly, avoid shaking hands with women unless they do it first of course (since your not muslim).
It's maybe nice to say "Assalam alaikum" which is the common greeting among muslims or arabs (meaning peace be upon you), people would appreciate that you put some effort : )
Just be open minded and they will too. I went to egypt and people were plain normal to me really! People do their things, you do yours, just smile to the world and there will be no worries..!

Answer 2

You must ask your friend.

I am not Muslim but some guidelines have stood me well in traveling..

I would make sure my clothing was clean and "up a knotch" .. so avoid blue jeans and avoid t-shirts .. and perhaps avoid tennis shoes.

On the plane I would wear a dark blue sport coat.

I would make sure my hair was cut at the ear, not much shorter and not much longer.

The idea is to look nice and respectable, but not too nice.

This advice was also given to my brother-in law when he was in the airforce traveling a few years ago before the conflict.


Amazing the better respect I got through out most of Europe .. even in places I would not have thought it mattered.

You have not mentioned if you are female.. that can add a whole nasty dimention which only your friend can help you with.

I also would avoid any alcohol in public and pork. .. try to stick near to the dietary laws eventhough they don't apply to you.

(a bit like not drinking tea or coke in Utah)

Answer 3

You would be absolutely fine to go to a Muslim country IMO. Like some of the previous answerers said, behave in a modest way, do not flirt or even shake hands with women and do not wear any tight fitting clothes.Men in Islam have a dress code just as the women do and it is kind of tasteless to go into someones country showing more skin than what the locals are used to. Most Muslim countries have sizable Christian populations. For example Egypt has an estimated 15 million, Lebanon 1,100,000 , Syria 1,000,000 , Jordan 290,000 , and many more. Not all Arabs are Muslims and not all Muslims are Arabs. Only 16% of the Muslims in the world are Arabs. As for Saudi, there are Christians that live in Saudi but as far as I know they do not permit bibles or churches in Saudi. Saudi is the most holy site in all of Islam and they obviously want to keep it that way. Every Muslim is obligated to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia atleast once in their life to perform their pilgrimage aka hajj. That is where the house of worship that was built by Abraham is. The Saudi's and other Muslims alike are VERY protective of that site. It is where many of the prophets dwelled and worshipped God and the biggest offense to God is shirk and shirk means ascribing partners to God. Basically shirk means breaking the first commandment which Muslims believe Christianity to be doing. As far as Islamic law, yes you would have to follow the law which basically means no stealing, no killing or raping etc...The same type of things here in the states. Anywhere you travel u have to abide by the laws. Most Muslim countries are completely used to having tourists so no worries.

Answer 4

It depends on the country. They're much stricter about public conduct in say, Saudi Arabia, than they are in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Dress reasonably modestly (long trousers and long sleeved shirt), be polite to people, check the alcohol laws as well and definitely don't get drunk in public.

If you are male it's worth checking what the customs are for interacting with women. Physical touching (even shaking hands) is frowned upon in many Islamic countries.

Answer 5

Just respect the customs in Muslim countries that is all,there a lot of Christians who live in Muslim countries to so you will be fine and it would enjoyable for you to experience a different culture and customs.

Answer 6

It depends on the country you are going to visit .
In many Muslim countries there are Christians.

Answer 7

Reb,
I like yer Banner !

1) Don't Take a Bible, it will be confiscated at the Airport, and you could be detained for questioning.
2) Don't seek out other Christians, you could be arrested.
3) Don't wear Christian Jewelery, you could be arrested.

Muslims demand RIGHTS in The USA that they refuse to Christians in their Countries.

Answer 8

it depends on the country you are going to visit, so you have to ask your friend, anyway who told you that we wear a certain type of clothes you can wear anything you want, by the way you don't have to believe in someone else beliefs to show your respect to him as a human, AND DONT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR BIBLE WITH YOU THERE ARE SO MANY CHRISTIANS WHO LIVE IN PEACE WITH US "PEOPLE WE DO BELIEVE IN JESUS" AND WE DO RESPECT OTHER RELIGIONS...

Answer 9

Use any appropriate cloth to wear.

Muslim countries should have some freedom of religion law but oh well...

Answer 10

Just be yourself. Respect by not hitting on women and checking them out. just being modest.