Indian Scholar visit set to boost tourism in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has said that the coming of international religious scholars to Zanzibar has both social and economic advantages, including promoting the ‘Halal tourism’ in the East African region.

Dr Mwinyi was speaking after meeting Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, an Indian Islamic scholar and public orator who focuses on comparative religion. He is also head of the Putrajaya Institute of Malaysia and has been conducting Islamic lectures in different countries.

Dr Mwinyi said “As we strive to boost tourism by attracting more foreign visitors, the coming of Islamic scholars accelerates the growth of Halal tourism.”

Halal tourism is used to refer to the tourism segment which caters to the faith-based needs of Muslim travellers, considering Sharia (Muslim laws) in all aspects of tourism activities, ranging from lodging facilities, transportation facilities, food and beverage facilities, financial systems to tourism service providers.

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Dr Mwinyi explained that Zanzibar has a great opportunity to promote tourism and create employment for the youth through the implementation of this concept of ‘Halal tourism,’ which has been embraced by the community.

“Let us advertise our tourist attraction sites, some of which are religious such as Islamic scholars’ graveyards,” he said after urging Dr Zakir and his delegation to visit historical sites in the country and serve as an ambassador to promote Zanzibar internationally.

Moreover, President Mwinyi advised Dr Zakir to consider visiting Zanzibar during the Holy Month of Ramadan to conduct lectures for Muslim believers.

In response, Dr Zakir Naik, who is visiting Zanzibar for the first time accompanied by his son Fariq Zakir, commended the country’s progress and the positive continuation of Islamic activities, pledging his cooperation.

The visit to Zanzibar by the Indian Islamic scholar and public orator who was also scheduled to conduct lectures in Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, Kenya was preceded by sheikh Ismail ibn Musa Menk, a Zimbabwean Islamic speaker in October 2024, and earlier by the Archbishop of Canterbury in May last year.