The 9 Most Important Taboos to Know When Traveling to Muslim Countries

Muslims never consume pork in their meals, a practice rooted in the teachings of Allah in the Quran. A passage in the Quran explicitly forbids pork consumption: "Prohibited to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, pork...". There are two main reasons why Muslims believe eating pork harms their health and morality: First, pigs are considered impure and carry numerous diseases that are harmful to humans. Second, consuming pork is thought to negatively impact one's character, as pigs are known for frequent mating habits. Because of this, Muslim restaurants typically serve beef as a primary dish.

Pork is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world. Every year, around one billion pigs are slaughtered for consumption across many cultures. However, in some religions, like Judaism and Islam, pork is strictly forbidden. Unlike Hindus who avoid beef due to reverence for cows, Muslims avoid pork because it is considered unclean for the body. The Quran, which is sacred to Muslims, clearly lists foods that are prohibited, with pork being one of them. That said, the Quran permits Muslims to eat pork only if they are starving and have no other food options available.

Many are familiar with Ramadan, also known as the Islamic fasting month. But where did this unique tradition come from and what does it symbolize? It is said that Prophet Muhammad once advised his followers to refrain from eating and drinking in order to protect themselves from evil forces. Thus, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast from dawn until sunset, with exceptions for the sick, pregnant women, and those who travel frequently. After the fast, they break their fast with a large meal known as iftar. Today, many view fasting as a way to train the body and mind in self-discipline.

Ramadan varies in timing each year based on the lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims collectively observe fasting during the day, abstaining from food, drink, tobacco, and even sexual activity. However, there are exemptions for individuals in "special" circumstances, such as pregnant women, travelers, the sick, and children under five. Ramadan serves two main purposes: it expresses empathy for the poor and underprivileged within the Muslim community, and it trains believers in overcoming material temptations, offering a spiritual pathway to the afterlife. If you visit a Muslim country during Ramadan, it is advisable to avoid eating or drinking in public in front of fasting Muslims, as it may be seen as provocative or disrespectful, especially when they are refraining from food for an entire day.

In Islamic belief, the left hand is considered impure, and it is avoided for sacred rituals and important tasks. For instance, Muslims never use the left hand for eating, offering gifts, or shaking hands. When giving or receiving items, the left hand must be placed underneath the right hand if both hands are used. Furthermore, pointing with the index finger is strictly prohibited in Muslim culture. If you need to point at something or someone, you should use your right thumb, keeping the other fingers clenched inside the palm.

Muslims always use their right hand for religious ceremonies and essential tasks in daily life. The left hand is associated with personal hygiene and is generally considered less clean. Therefore, when visiting a Muslim country, avoid using your left hand for handling food or objects. If a Muslim offers you a gift or hands you something, always accept it with both hands, with the left hand below the right. Also, never point at people or objects with your index finger, as it is considered an insult in Islamic culture. To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, use your whole hand when pointing at something.

In Islamic culture, the sole of a shoe is considered unclean and is associated with evil and impurity. Therefore, pointing the sole of your shoe at someone is highly disrespectful and forbidden. While traveling in Muslim countries, avoid sitting with your legs crossed during conversations with locals. Instead, sit with both feet flat on the ground to prevent causing any discomfort or misunderstanding.

In Muslim societies, pointing the sole of your shoe at another person is viewed as a serious offense. It is seen as symbolizing dirt, evil, and a distance from the sacred. So, when visiting Muslim countries, be mindful to avoid raising your feet or crossing your legs when in the presence of Muslims. The growing popularity of tourism in Muslim countries brings with it a need to respect cultural differences. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local etiquette to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Gender roles are strictly defined according to Islamic tradition and law. Male visitors are advised not to shake hands with women in this region; instead, a simple nod and smile from a distance is the preferred greeting. During meals, men and women are expected to sit separately, as it is not appropriate for women to interact with unfamiliar men. Therefore, don't be surprised if, when attending a Muslim gathering, men and women have separate seating arrangements. Additionally, it’s considered impolite to visit a Muslim home without an official invitation—unexpected visits can be seen as disrespectful. Furthermore, in public settings, displaying intimate affection in a blatant manner is also frowned upon in Muslim countries.

Historically, homosexual relationships have been tolerated in pre-modern Islamic societies, although such laws were generally only enforced in cases of rape or major violations of public morals. Homosexual themes were present in literature and poetry in the languages of the Islamic world from the 8th century onward. Early Islamic views on homosexuality shared similarities with ancient Greco-Roman traditions, differing from modern Western concepts of sexual orientation. It was generally expected that many men would be sexually attracted to both women and young boys (the definition of which varied), and men were typically expected to play the active role in homosexual relations once they reached adulthood.

As taught by Allah, Muslims are prohibited from consuming intoxicants such as alcohol and beer because these substances cloud the mind and lead to sinful behavior. Devout Muslims strictly follow the teachings of their Almighty, and as a result, many Islamic governments have enacted laws that ban the sale and consumption of alcohol. For Muslims, drinking alcohol is not a part of their lives. If you are invited to visit a Muslim household, it is considered disrespectful to offer them alcohol.

Moreover, in Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Iraq, pork is rarely found for sale. If it is available, it is usually reserved for non-Muslim visitors. Muslims avoid eating pork and instead enjoy meat from beef, lamb, and chicken, but all of these foods must be prepared according to Halal standards. Halal meat is slaughtered following specific guidelines and is blessed with a prayer that includes the words “Bismillah” or “In the name of Allah.”

Muslim women are subject to strict dress codes as mandated by their religion. In these cultures, women typically wear full-body coverings, including face veils and Hijabs that leave only their eyes visible. When going out, they are fully covered in black cloaks that obscure their voices. This dress code is deeply rooted in Islamic beliefs, symbolizing respect for family honor and protecting the woman’s dignity. Women who fail to follow these rules are often ostracized and humiliated, even by their own families, including their husbands or parents.

Thus, as the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' When visiting Muslim countries with these strict regulations, it is highly advised for women to wear modest clothing that conceals their bodies and avoids exposing skin. Wearing revealing outfits such as shorts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or skirts above the knee is considered disrespectful and provocative. Even as a foreign tourist, while you are not expected to adopt local traditional attire, it is important to understand the cultural norms and dress accordingly. You may even find yourself captivated by the beautifully crafted garments and accessories unique to the culture.

Undoubtedly, the grand and magnificent mosques will be must-see destinations for every traveler exploring the region. For the local people, these mosques are sacred places that connect them to the Almighty and hold great spiritual significance. Therefore, when visiting a mosque, it is essential to show respect and follow certain rules. For example, at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, there are strict dress codes. Visitors must adhere to these guidelines, or they will not be allowed entry. Appropriate attire includes loose, long-sleeve clothing, and no transparent or tight-fitting clothes. For men, no t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops are allowed. Women must cover their heads with a scarf. If you have long hair, it's best to tie it up in a bun or ponytail to keep your scarf in place and fully cover your hair.

Dress must be modest, with long sleeves that cover the wrists, long pants, or skirts that reach the ankles. All visitors must remove their shoes before entering the mosque, so wearing slip-on shoes is advisable. Visitors are also expected to refrain from any intimate gestures (such as holding hands or kissing) while taking photos inside the mosque. It is important to stay within the designated visiting areas and not wander around the surrounding spaces. Children must be closely supervised and not allowed to run around the mosque or nearby areas. They must also follow all the mosque’s regulations (including staying away from reflective pools or other specific areas). Smoking and bringing food into the mosque are strictly prohibited, as is touching the Quran or any sacred items inside the prayer hall. These rules must be followed at all times.

Allah is the Arabic term for the Almighty God. While in Europe, the Americas, East Asia, and South Asia, the name Allah is largely associated with Muslims, in Arabic-speaking regions, Christians and Jews also refer to God as Allah. The term has been in the Arabic language for centuries, and both Christianity and Judaism were introduced to the Arabian Peninsula early on. Consequently, Arab Christians today have no other word for God, and they use the term Allah, such as when referring to God the Father as Allāh al-'Ab.

For Muslims, Allah is the all-powerful Creator and serves as the ultimate spiritual pillar. Muslims deeply resent any outsider commenting on their religious and political system. While you can learn about the culture and religious philosophy of Islam, you must never engage in discussions or make remarks about Allah. Such behavior is seen as highly disrespectful and could lead to significant trouble with the local people. Additionally, Muslims do not allow anyone to judge or criticize others, as this is seen as the prerogative of Allah alone.