Shrine Tourism: Fiction and Fact Through an Islamic Lens

Despite the prevalence of shrine tourism in developing countries, devotees often engage in practices considered non-Islamic, such as offering items to shrines for materialistic and spiritual benefits. A study conducted in Bangladesh's renowned shrines revealed that these offerings do not yield tangible outcomes and are contrary to Islamic doctrine. The research, which used in-depth interviews with 30 devotees analyzed via ATLAS.ti, highlights a disconnect between the beliefs of pilgrims (fiction) and Islamic principles (fact). This study contributes to the understanding of spiritual tourism and calls for religious authorities to address these misconceptions.

Mollik, M. S., Akter, M., & Mominul Islam, M. (2026). Shrine Tourism: Fiction and Fact Through an Islamic Lens. Technological University Dublin. https://doi.org/10.21427/NQCY-HD38