Muslim holy sites, especially mosques, have long been major tourist attractions due to their architectural beauty, grandeur, and diversity. However, since some Muslim jurists and Islamic jurisprudence, in general, do not permit non-Muslims to enter these religious sites, a key question arises: Given that some non-Muslim tourists choose Muslim nations and their religious sites—such as pilgrimage sites and shrines—as their travel destinations, and considering the significant economic benefits of religious tourism, what measures should be taken to address the restriction on their entry while adhering to Sharia law? This study, using a library-based research method, examines and analyzes Islamic jurisprudence to provide answers and solutions to this issue. The findings suggest that early jurists' prohibition of non-Muslims entering religious sites was primarily a governmental ruling in early Islam, issued in specific contexts—such as during the Hajj pilgrimage and for entry into the Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabi—particularly concerning warring disbelievers. This ruling, therefore, was context-specific and should not be extended as a general prohibition. Considering Quranic verses that promote peace, non-compulsion in religion, and kindness toward non-hostile non-Muslims, along with certain jurisprudential principles, the study argues that non-Muslims may be permitted to enter religious sites under specific conditions. These conditions include not being from hostile factions, dressing appropriately, and showing due respect for the sanctity of the place. In conclusion, contemporary juristic rulings (fatwas) largely support this permissibility under such conditions.
Shafeipour,A . (2025). The Jurisprudential Ruling on Non-Muslims Entering Muslim Religious Sites and Its Implications for Religious Tourism: Challenges and Solutions. Practical Theology, 1(2), 112-135. doi: 10.22034/pt.2025.214548
MLA
Shafeipour,A . "The Jurisprudential Ruling on Non-Muslims Entering Muslim Religious Sites and Its Implications for Religious Tourism: Challenges and Solutions", Practical Theology, 1, 2, 2025, 112-135. doi: 10.22034/pt.2025.214548
HARVARD
Shafeipour A. (2025). 'The Jurisprudential Ruling on Non-Muslims Entering Muslim Religious Sites and Its Implications for Religious Tourism: Challenges and Solutions', Practical Theology, 1(2), pp. 112-135. doi: 10.22034/pt.2025.214548
CHICAGO
A Shafeipour, "The Jurisprudential Ruling on Non-Muslims Entering Muslim Religious Sites and Its Implications for Religious Tourism: Challenges and Solutions," Practical Theology, 1 2 (2025): 112-135, doi: 10.22034/pt.2025.214548
VANCOUVER
Shafeipour A. The Jurisprudential Ruling on Non-Muslims Entering Muslim Religious Sites and Its Implications for Religious Tourism: Challenges and Solutions. Practical Theology. 2025;1(2):112-135 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/pt.2025.214548