In light of recent events involving attacks on tourists and civilians in Muslim countries, many people seek clarity on Islam’s position regarding the rights of tourists. What does Islamic jurisprudence say about the safety and treatment of tourists? Does Islam provide guidelines for their presence in Muslim territories? More importantly, what is the Islamic ruling on those who carry out violent acts within Muslim lands?

Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, and security. It explicitly prohibits harm against civilians, including tourists and foreigners who legally enter Muslim countries. In Islamic law, such visitors are granted full protection regarding their lives, honor, and property. The entrance visa they receive is equivalent to a security pledge, known in Islamic jurisprudence as `Akhd Aman. Violating this pledge by harming visitors is strictly prohibited.

Tourists and Foreigners in Muslim Countries

Sheikh Hussain Halawah, the Secretary General of the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), states that the entry of a tourist, trader, or any foreign citizen into a Muslim country via a visa constitutes a pledge of security (`Akhd Aman). In Islam, it is strictly forbidden to violate this pledge. Foreigners granted legal access must not be harmed in any way—physically, financially, or in terms of dignity.

This principle is supported by historical precedent. During the early days of Islam, non-Muslims, including those from warring nations, were granted safe passage into Madinah under security pledges. No one harmed them, illustrating the sanctity of such agreements. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized this when he said:

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to terrorize another Muslim.” (Al-Bukhari)

While this hadith specifically mentions Muslims, scholars affirm that it applies to all people, as Islam prohibits acts of terror or harm against any innocent individual.

Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The believer is the one to whom people feel secure regarding their blood and property.” (Al-Bukhari)

Additionally, Allah states in the Qur’an:

“Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saves a life, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

This verse applies to all human beings, regardless of their faith, emphasizing the sanctity of life in Islam.

Honoring Guests and Foreign Visitors

Islam also emphasizes the importance of hospitality. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest as he deserves.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Attacking tourists is a direct violation of this principle. Islam not only prohibits harming them but also encourages Muslims to treat them with kindness and respect. Any form of mistreatment contradicts Islamic teachings on hospitality and ethical conduct.

Violence Against Civilians: A Clear Prohibition

Those who attack non-Muslim civilians in Muslim lands, including those behind recent violent incidents, are either misled individuals or malicious actors working against Islam’s true teachings. Some of these attackers may be politically motivated or part of agendas seeking to destabilize Muslim nations.

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a renowned Islamic scholar, clarified in an Islamic conference held in Egypt:

“It is categorically prohibited for a Muslim to kill or attack any person whose country is at war with Muslims as long as such a person is given the security pledge by Muslims. No Muslim is permitted to attack that person in any form.”

Even if an individual Muslim grants a security pledge, it is binding upon the entire Muslim community. This is demonstrated in a hadith where Umm Hani, the daughter of Abu Talib, provided security to a non-Muslim. When her brother, Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), wanted to harm the individual, she sought the Prophet’s intervention. The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded:

“I have agreed to protect whom you have protected, Umm Hani.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith reinforces the principle that security guarantees must be respected, even if granted by a single individual.

The Responsibility of Governments

While it is the duty of Muslims to ensure the safety of visitors, it is also expected that tourists respect the religious values, customs, and traditions of Muslim countries. However, violations of these customs by tourists do not justify acts of violence against them. The appropriate course of action lies with the governing authorities.

If tourists engage in behavior that contradicts Islamic values, the government has the legal authority to take appropriate measures, including issuing warnings or deporting individuals if necessary. However, private individuals have no right to take matters into their own hands. Islam prohibits personal retribution, as it leads to chaos and injustice.

The Islamic Ruling on Different Forms of Violence

Dr. Salah As-Sawi, the Secretary General of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), categorizes violent acts in Muslim countries as follows:

  1. Violence against non-Muslim citizens in Muslim lands – This violates the security pledge they are granted. If a citizen violates local laws, only the government has the authority to act, not individuals.
  2. Violence against non-Muslim foreigners (tourists, diplomats, traders, etc.) – This is also forbidden, as they enter Muslim territories under an official security pledge.
  3. Violence against fellow Muslims – Islam strictly forbids aggression against innocent civilians, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
  4. Attacks on places of vice (e.g., liquor stores, clubs, etc.) – Even if such places exist in Muslim lands, private individuals are not permitted to take the law into their own hands. The damage caused by vigilantism outweighs any perceived benefit.
  5. Destruction of public property – Islam prohibits attacks on public utilities and infrastructure, as these acts weaken the Muslim community and give adversaries a reason to undermine Muslim nations.

Conclusion

Islam upholds the sanctity of life and prohibits all forms of unjust violence. Tourists and foreigners who enter Muslim countries legally are granted full protection under the Islamic principle of `Akhd Aman (security pledge). Islam categorically forbids attacking or harming such individuals, regardless of political or ideological motives.

Furthermore, individual Muslims do not have the right to enforce Islamic laws upon visitors—this responsibility lies solely with the governing authorities. Any violation of religious values by tourists does not justify violence against them. Instead, education, legal measures, and diplomacy should be employed to address concerns.

Muslims are commanded to uphold justice, security, and kindness, as reflected in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Any act of violence that contradicts these teachings is not from Islam, but rather from ignorance or malicious agendas seeking to harm the reputation of Islam and destabilize Muslim societies.

By adhering to these principles, Muslims can foster a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment for all, upholding the true values of Islam as a religion of justice and mercy.