Exploring the Muslim-Friendly Hotel Concept in Malaysia Based on Maqasid Shariah Perspective

Muslim-friendly hotel services are essential to meet the needs of tourists, especially local and foreign Muslim tourists from Middle Eastern countries. Muslim-friendly hotels are one of the Islamic tourism products that are expected to have the potential to be highlighted. However, most of the hotels that are implemented are not entirely Shariah-compliant. As a Muslim country, Malaysia should implement Muslim-friendly hotels because it is one of the requirements for Muslim tourists. Thus, this article aims to identify and analyze the concept and characteristics of Muslim-friendly hotels based on the perspective of Maqasid Shariah and the implication of Maqasid Shariah implementation in hotel operations. The methodology of this study is a qualitative approach with a document analysis design. The results of this study explain the concept and characteristics that need to be practiced in the Muslim-friendly hotel industry based on Maqasid Shariah. Integrating Maqasid Shariah principles while being “Muslim-friendly” will help Malaysia offer adequate services for both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists, contributing to cultural diversity. Such a pre-emptive measure will enhance Malaysia’s overall economic prospects and future benefits and its status as a country that embraces inter-ethnic and inter-religious coexistence. Therefore, the Muslim-friendly hotel is an ideal platform to promote Malaysia as a Muslim-friendly destination and an effective strategy for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.