Volume 5 Issue (1)

This study examines Zamzam water as an integral component that enhances the Hajj and Umrah experience, particularly from a medical tourism perspective. By adopting an interdisciplinary lens, the paper explores the sacred and therapeutic roles of Zamzam water through the convergence of Islamic theology, scientific inquiry, and behavioural analysis. Framed within the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the research investigates how pilgrims’ health-related intentions and spiritual motivations contribute to their engagement with Zamzam water during pilgrimage. The study incorporates recent scientific findings that support its mineral and antimicrobial properties and proposes an empirical framework for collecting qualitative and quantitative data from pilgrims. Moreover, Personal observation is a key method within qualitative research and an important component of an empirical framework. The study further discusses how the integration of Zamzam into pilgrimage narratives offers unique opportunities for health-oriented religious tourism, experience design, and destination branding in Makkah.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has a strong foundation to lead in halal tourism. Lombok, located in West Nusa Tenggara, stands out as a flagship destination in this sector. It gained global recognition in 2015, being awarded both the World’s Best Halal Honeymoon Destination and the World’s Best Halal Tourism Destination. However, challenges remain in maintaining standardised, high-quality halal kitchen practices across hospitality establishments. This study adopts a Total Quality Management (TQM) framework to improve halal kitchen operations in Lombok. It aims to identify operational gaps, map the root causes of non-compliance, and develop an integrative improvement model. A qualitative approach was employed, using in-depth interviews and observations conducted in selected halal-certified hotels and culinary establishments. Thematic analysis was supported by visual tools. A fishbone diagram identified root causes across manpower, material handling, methods, and management systems, while a mind map was created to present innovative improvement strategies. Findings reveal that the integration of TQM principles significantly enhances hygiene, documentation, staff competence, and customer confidence in halal culinary services. The study offers a practical framework to guide hospitality practitioners and policymakers in improving halal kitchen standards and strengthening the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s halal tourism sector.

This study examines the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to foster patriotism among participants. It explores the interconnections between faith, national identity, and individual agency, demonstrating how the experiences and lessons of Hajj can strengthen a sense of national belonging and self-reliance. Using a qualitative approach, the research draws on the experiences of 50 participants collected through oral interviews and existing literature to illustrate the transformative impact of pilgrimage on civic values and community engagement in Nigeria. Each year, Muslims from Nigeria travel to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage, a rite that has both positive and negative implications. Its benefits include spiritual fulfilment, renewed faith, personal reorientation, and the reestablishment of one's relationship with Allah. However, the study also reveals challenges: some individuals exploit the pilgrimage route as an opportunity to leave Nigeria permanently, while others convert to Islam solely to obtain religious titles. The study critically reviews the motivations behind religious pilgrimage in relation to patriotism. Pilgrimage organisers incorporate themes of national pride and unity into their programmes, highlighting how the values acquired during Hajj can be channelled into community service and nation-building efforts.

The tradition of Haul Guru Sekumpul in South Kalimantan is a religious phenomenon that attracts thousands of worshippers each year, reflecting the integration of local beliefs and the concept of barokah in Islamic teachings. This study adopts a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design to explore the dynamics of this tradition, including its religious practices, beliefs in blessings, and their impact on local social and economic solidarity. The study’s findings show that this tradition not only reinforces the Islamic identity of the community but also contributes to the development of Islamic tourism rooted in sustainable religious practices. By combining spirituality, local culture, and economic opportunity, Haul Guru Sekumpul plays a vital role in presenting an inclusive form of Indonesian Islam to the global stage. This research also offers insights for management of religious events that support the sustainable social and economic development of local community, while promoting sustainable Islamic tourism.