A halal holiday is one where the entire family can enjoy a vacation while maintaining Muslim traditions. Choosing the best halal holiday is similar to choosing any vacation location, select a location and narrow down the choices from there based on amenities and cost. Halal holidays are gaining in popularity, but they are still not widespread, so narrowing down the choices will be relatively straightforward. In addition to looking for what you want in a holiday, talk to friends and family members who have taken a halal holiday to hear their recommendations.
Deciding on a location is the first step in choosing a halal holiday. The concept of halal holidays is well-established in the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey, so there are more choices in accommodations in those locations. Countries in the Middle East are just beginning to respond to the halal holiday concept, so accommodation in these areas are not as widespread.
Once the decision on location is made, it is necessary decide what accommodations and activities will be enjoyed on the vacation. Keep in mind that one of the purposes of the halal holiday is to allow women time to enjoy the beach and pool settings without being covered. The beaches are typically divided by a screen and the men and women’s pools are in separate areas. While this allows the women to soak up the sun and swim in a bathing suit or bikini, it also means that she will spend this time separated from her husband and older male children. Also, given the difficulty of separating the sexes in open water, she will typically need to cover up before heading into the ocean or sea.
The separation of men and women during activities is not the only reason to consider a halal holiday. Resorts that specialize in these vacations offer dining choices that are halal, or considered proper to eat. While Muslims who routinely eat halal foods can typically make smart choices in dining situations, knowing that all of the foods are prepared according to Muslim law allows the family more flexibility and less stress in their dining plans.
Halal holidays offer other services that make it easier for individuals who practice Islam to enjoy their vacations. Scheduled prayer times, alcohol free hotels and restaurants, and vacationing in an area where others share the same beliefs are all reasons to plan a halal holiday. Any family that typically lives under the guidelines of Sharia law will find the choices offered by halal vacations to be in line with their beliefs.