15 Most Beautiful Islamic Religious Tours in Indonesia & Abroad

Entering the holy month of Ramadan, it is not only a moment to carry out fasting but also many other good activities and habits that can be done. One of them is to travel to religious tourist attractions.

What Is Religious Tourism?

Religious tourism is a form of tourism that aims to carry out religious activities. For example, Muslims who are familiar with pilgrimages to Islamic historical places and natural attractions. In fact, Muslims are indeed encouraged to travel with the aim of opening their hearts and minds so that they can be grateful and reflect on the greatness of Allah SWT's creation on earth. This is mentioned directly, in the Qur'an, in Surah Al-Hajj verse 46.

That is why we are taught about the nature of tadabur as a form of gratitude for the greatness of Allah Almighty. Tadabur alam is a means of learning to get to know Allah Almighty better and will cleanse oneself and the soul from negative energy as well as show gratitude for His gift. One of them is by doing religious tours to places that are thick with Islamic civilization.

Recommended Religious Tourism Destinations in Indonesia and Abroad

There are so many religious tourist attractions in the world that can be visited, and it would not be enough if they all had to be mentioned. Therefore, MAGI recommend some of the most beautiful religious tourist attractions in Indonesia and abroad that you can explore!

1. Meccah, Saudi Arabia

Mecca is a place where Muslims can perform hajj and umrah. In addition to worship, you can visit historical sites such as pilgrimages to the tombs of the prophet's companions or Hira Cave. But before doing the hajj, you must know the mandatory requirements, namely, that you must be physically and mentally.

2. Madinah, Saudi Arabia

One of the most beautiful cities that must be on your wishlist during the holy month of Ramadan. You can visit the Nabawi Mosque Complex which has such beautiful architecture. Also, you can enjoy its beauty during the day and night with different views when the mosque umbrella is open / closed.

3. Wali Songo Pilgrimage in Java

Wali Songo is a figure who spread Islam in Java in the 14th century. Wali Songo's tomb has also become one of the religious tourism destinations that are often visited by pilgrims. Nine tombs of Wali Songo are spread across East Java (5 tombs), Central Java (3 tombs), and West Java (1 tomb).

4. Baiturrahman Mosque, Aceh

The Baiturrahman mosque isn't just a reminder of the Acehnese kingdom; it's also a symbol of the Acehnese people's fight against Dutch rule. Baiturrahman Mosque became a special icon of Aceh Province because it survived during the Aceh tsunami disaster in 2004.

5. Al Quds, Yerusalem

One of the dream destinations for religious tourism, Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities in the world. Al Quds is the oldest city and is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains that sits between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. You can visit Baitul Maqdis, which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque endowed by Allah Almighty and the first qibla of Muslims.

6. Istanbul, Turki

Istanbul is one of the religious tours chosen by many Muslims because of its beauty. You can visit Hagia Sophia, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a historical area of Istanbul since 1985. Hagia Sophia is already a silent witness to the transitional history of the regime that ruled Istanbul (Constantinople) over the past 15 centuries. Hagia Sophia is suitable as a religious tour for Muslims to remember the young conqueror of Constantinople, Muhammad al-Fatih (Mahmed II).

7. Indonesian Islamic Art Museum

The museum, which is in Lamongan, Central Java, holds a large collection of art and artifacts left by the precious Islamic kingdom. You can see all the history of Islamic civilization in Indonesia here.

 

8. Al-Aqsa Holy Minaret Mosque, Central Java

It is located in the holy city of Central Java and is one of the mosques that played a role in the history of the development of Islam on the island of Java. When this mosque was built, the first stone laid was from Baitul Maqdis; therefore, the mosque was called Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, if you look carefully, the architecture looks like a temple, which is an acculturation of Javanese-Hindu culture with Islam.

9. A Look at European Islamic Civilization in Andalusia

Andalusia was once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe during the Umayyad caliphate. There are many Islamic buildings typical of Moorish Muslims, also known as Mudejar architecture, such as:

• Alhambra, the palace complex of the Moorish Kingdom, is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Mezquita de Cordoba, a church that divided into 2 parts when Muslims took control of Andalusia in 711.
• Realez Alcazares de Sevilla, a royal palace built by the Moorish Muslim king. Until now it is famous for the most beautiful architecture in Spain and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

10. Mount Sinai Nature Tourism, Egypt

During Ramadan, the streets of Egyptian cities will be decorated with colorful traditional lanterns called fanous. There are also many special activities carried out during the month of Ramadan that make fasting even more special. In addition, you can do a religious tour to Mount Sinai, the place where prophet Moses AS spoke directly with Allah Almighty. According to the BBC, the Sinai hiking trail is said to be the best hiking trail, you know, for Muslim friends.

11. Maimun Palace, North Sumatra

Maimun Palace, built in 1888, is one of the relics of the Deli Sultanate, which has a rich history under the leadership of Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah. The palace is thick with Malay patterns and combines European and Persian cultural architectural styles.

 

12. Tiban Mosque Malang, East Java

The Thousand Door Mosque in Malang, East Java, is better known as the mosque with the most unique buildings in Indonesia. The building of this mosque is very large and magnificent which is identic with a blue color. Each floor is used as a place for the activities of the students, and it functions as a boarding school for students from all regions of Indonesia.

13. Fez, Morocco

Who would have thought that the name of the city is rarely heard but is included in one of the religious tourist destinations that must be visited if you want to know more about the development of Islamic history? You can visit Masjid Al Karaouine, which is the first university in the world.

14. Amman, Jordanian

One of the wishlists that you must visit during religious tourism is the city of Amman in Jordan. If you are a lover of buildings with charming ancient architecture, then you can visit the Amman Citadel, King Abdullah Mosque, Roman Theatre, Wakal Street, and many more.

15. Floating Mosque, Makassar

Amirul Mukimin Mosque, or Floating Mosque," is a mosque located in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Built with architecture shaped like a traditional stilt house in Makassar and Bugis. And this mosque is dominated by white with a mixture of gray, which gives a shady and comfortable impression.

Prepare Your Religious Tour With Smart Travel

The religious tourism destinations that MAGI mentioned have various locations, ranging from those in various cities in Indonesia to abroad. However, of all these religious tourism destinations, only one will teach Muslims what the majesty of Allah Almighty is.

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Source:

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• https://travel.wego.com/berita/tempat-wisata-religi-bernuansa-islami-di-indonesia/
• https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/vert-tra-44927065
• https://katadata.co.id/agung/berita/62504c205e012/12-rekomendasi-wisata-religi-bersejarah-di-indonesia
• https://www.adira.co.id/detail_berita/metalink/9-wisata-religi-untuk-umat-islam-di-dunia
• https://eticon.co.id/wisata-religi-islam/