Are Muslim Countries Safe for Westerners?
Iranians in the rain on a Tehran street
December 18, 2006
This question is answered by Wael Abdelgawad, the AskBilqis.com and Zawaj.com Editor and Administrator.
QUESTION:
Dear Bilqis,
My fiancee is a Muslim man from Iran, and I am a Christian woman from Australia. We have known each other for four years. We now want to get married. I also want to turn to Islam. In about eight weeks we will be flying to Iran from Australia to get married as his family lives in Iran.
I am fairly nervous as in Western countries we are told that the Muslim countires are dangerous or a threat to Westerners. The Australian government says there is a high level of caution for Australian people in Middle Eastern countries. I want to know whether it is safe for me, a Christian woman, to travel to Iran? I really want to meet his family and marry him.
A lot of my friends and relatives think I am stupid for wanting to go to that country at this time… with all the political issues that are televised on Australian TV every day. I am so confused. I have never been over seas before.
- Angela from Australia
WAEL ANSWERS:
Dear Angela, As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah,
You should go, and I would be very surprised if you experienced anything from the Iranian people but warmth and friendliness.
It is admirable that you want to become Muslim, and you will find it to be a religion that is sensible and straightforward, as well as spiritual and just. Islam teaches us to respect all human beings, and to have compassion for all, regardless of nationality or race.
Australia is a country which is known to have a high level of prejudice and hostility toward foreigners and minority races. Perhaps you are afraid that you will encounter a similar sort of prejudice in Iran. But I think your fears are unfounded. Even though there may be political strains between governments, you will find the people on the ground to be friendly, normal people just like you and me. Furthermore, Iran is a stable, democratic country that does not suffer from internal political violence.
I suspect you will find the Iranian people to be very hospitable and generous people, which is a common trait of Muslims, in spite of what you may hear in the Western media.
As for your friends who say you are foolish, have they been to Iran so that they can offer an informed opinion? Of course not. Their statements are based on ignorance. Anytime you do something in life that others have not done, you will get a lot of criticism. Learn to ignore people’s comments and follow your own heart.
I do have some common-sense pieces of travel advice for you. Most of these are general travel safety tips, whether you are travelling to Iran, New York or Beijing:
- Carry your passport and wallet on your person in a secure place. You should also make two photocopies of your passport, identification and credit cards. Leave one set of photocopies at home, and carry the other set of photocopies in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
- When flying, anything you cannot afford to lose should go in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage.
- Let your family at home know where you will be staying and how to reach you. Stay in touch with them while you are traveling. Internet cafes are usually very handy for this. I am sure you will find plenty of them in Iran.
- Use your credit card as little as possible when overseas, to prevent credit card theft or fraud. Pay with cash or traveler’s checks.
- Do not go out alone or at night in areas that are unfamiliar.
- Do not take out your wallet or your money on the street. Do not use streetside money changers and do not buy goods from street vendors.
- If you require any medication, take enough with you to last through the trip. Don’t count on being able to get a prescription filled overseas.
- Do not wear expensive clothing, jewelry or watches.
- When you visit a Muslim country it’s best to dress modestly so as to respect the local traditions.
Lastly, I don’t like to sound a negative note, but be sure you take enough money with you to pay for lodging and food for the duration of your stay. Even though you may be planning to stay at your fiancee’s house and rely on his family’s hospitality, there is always the chance that things may not work out, and in that event you need to be able to pay your own way until you return.
Enjoy your trip Insha’Allah. Approach it with an attitude of hope and excitement (not fear or anxiety) and I am sure you will have a wonderful time.
If any readers have some additional advice for this questioner, feel free to post your comments below.
Glory to You Allah, we praise You, we bear witness that there is no God except You, we ask Your forgivess and we repent to You.
Best regards,
- Wael Hesham Abdelgawad, Administrator
AskBilqis.com Islamic Marriage and Family Advice
ZAWAJ.COM Muslim Matrimonials and More!
Written by wael on December 17th, 2006 with
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