ABSTRACT
Malaysia has experienced expedited growth in its hotel and tourism industry since 2007 and will likely be one of the world’s top tourist destinations in the next decade. This could simply indicate that the hotel and tourism industry give bright prospects in terms of economic growth. In recent years, it has also been observed that there is a growing interest in new tourism and hospitality concept called ‘Islamic tourism’ or Muslim Friendly Hotel that are similar to the concept of halal food which had been recognized in many countries including those in the Middle East. In this regard literatures also demonstrate that ever since the September 11 tragedy, the number of tourists from the Middle East to UK and US has dropped drastically, thus shifting them to Muslim countries such as Malaysia. Considering that a vast majority of Middle-eastern tourists are largely Muslims, it is pertinent that the concept of ‘halal hospitality’ be virtualized. In striving to set up the so-called Muslim Friendly Hotel which are highly demanded by the Muslims tourists it is pertinent that the basic elements of the hotel industry are appraised from the Islamic point of view. In so doing, this article essentially highlights the principles of Maqasid Shari’yyah (Objectives of the Shariah) which are the fundamental principles that govern all aspects of human’s life. Consequently, the position of the present hotel industry in the context of Maqasid Shari’yyah are then discussed. This part is vital in order to examine whether the established components of the hotel industry which are globally accepted and practiced today are in line with these Shariah principles. The findings reveal that certain part of the hospitality components are in accordance with the rules and precepts laid down by Shariah; thus the maxim of safeguarding and securing the public interest seems to be sustained. In spite of this fulfillment, full support and encouragement are needed to actively develop Muslim friendly hotels via proper standards and regulatory framework in order to maintain the principle of Maqasid Shariyyah in the hospitality industry. This is in conformity with the aspiration of the Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak to ensure that Shariah principles are to be achieved and safeguarded in this industry.
Keywords: Hotel industry, Muslim friendly hotel, Maqasid shari’yyah (objectives of the shariah).