This was published 7 years ago
The 11 things you should know before travelling to a Muslim country
Istanbul, Turkey.Credit: Getty Images
The important thing is, to go. Now more than ever. With increasing fear and misunderstanding of the Muslim world, there's never been a better time to jump on a plane and go pay it a visit.
Go to Indonesia, or Malaysia. Go to Iran, or the UAE, or Morocco. It might seem intimidating, but travel in the Muslim world is an absolute pleasure, a journey that will alter your perceptions and introduce you to a new, fascinating and above all friendly part of the world.
There are, of course, a few rules to follow to ease your way into countries that often have vastly different cultures than you might be used to at home. Obey them, and you'll be in for one life-changing experience.
There are no hard and fast rules
All of the rules below should be taken with a small grain of salt, because no two Muslim countries are the same. What's acceptable in Turkey is not necessarily OK in Iran. The rules that apply in Indonesia are going to be vastly different to those in Lebanon. Don't treat the Islamic world as a homogenous bloc – there's plenty of variety, and it pays to brush up on individual countries' customs before visiting.
Prepare to eat. A lot.
One common theme that does seem to run through many Muslim countries is that people there love to eat. They express hospitality through food. They express their history and their culture through food. They express their love of life through food. If you go to a Muslim country, you will be invited to eat with people, and you will be expected to eat a lot. Enjoy it.
You can drink – but not too much
Though it's always hardliners like Saudi Arabia and Iran that tend to make the news, in most Muslim countries – even places such as Palestine, Jordan and Egypt – you will be able to drink alcohol. Plenty of the locals will be doing it too. It's extremely bad form, however, to get visibly drunk and loutish. Go easy on the booze.
Expect attention
This is true for men, but especially true for women. As an obvious outsider, and a Westerner at that, you are going to attract attention in Muslim countries. Sometimes that attention will be good, as it is in Iran, where everyone just wants to welcome you. Sometimes it will be bad, as it can be in Morocco or Egypt, where women are subjected to some fairly intimidating stares and comments. The best thing you can do in that situation is try to ignore it.
Visit mosques at appropriate times
Just the same as you wouldn't wander into a European church during mass, it's bad form to try to enter at mosque during prayer. Fridays are particularly busy, though any time you hear the call to prayer from the minaret, there are likely to be people inside. It's also worth noting that there are usually separate places within the mosque reserved for men and women.
Yes, those invitations are genuine
It can take some getting used to, given all of the dodgy entreaties you normally receive while travelling, but in places like Iran, all of those invitations you get to drink tea with strangers, to take a tour of a city with them, to join them in their family home for dinner, are absolutely genuine. There's a centuries-old tradition of hospitality that is taken very seriously in the Middle East.
Don't approach people of the opposite gender
This isn't true for every country, but generally, the more traditional the society, the stricter the rules that govern social interactions there. Men are expected to only approach and converse with other men. Women are expected to do the same with their own gender. It's only after the ice has been broken and people have been introduced that you can start chatting to strangers of the opposite sex.
Travelling alone is fine. Travelling with a friend is easier.
Again, this particularly applies to women. In almost every Islamic country, it is fine to travel by yourself. It's legal, and it's acceptable. The unfortunate truth, however, is that you will find that the hassle level drops if you travel with a partner or friend. There are fewer questions; less interest. It's not ideal, but it's reality.
Dress to the same standards as the locals
People tend to be overly worried about their standards of dress when they visit Islamic countries. The golden rule is simply to cover up as much as the locals do. Men, if you see everyone in trousers and long-sleeved shirts, wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Women, if you see everyone wearing loose-fitting clothing, or head-scarves, do the same. You'll find that a certain amount of leeway is given to foreigners who aren't expected to know the local customs.
Avoid politics
Unless you know the people you're talking to – and their political persuasion – extremely well, it's probably best to avoid political discussions when you're travelling through the Islamic world. It won't always turn nasty, but still, it's easier to stick to lighter topics, like the cricket.
Obey the law, and you'll be fine
This is the main thing to bear in mind. If you obey the local laws, and pay attention to local customs, you'll find travelling in the Islamic world a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience. People are kind and generous. The sights are beautiful and untouched. The secret is to just book a flight and go.
What recommendations would you give to travellers heading into the Islamic world?
Email: b.groundwater@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/bengroundwater
See also: Why you should visit a Muslim country
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