Traveling while Muslim is an experience in itself because there are a billion things that go through your mind prior to departure and as soon as you land.
But, traveling as a Muslim nowadays, with the rise of Islamophobia, is just something else.
Putting these two things together, here are 7 thoughts every Muslim has when traveling abroad:
1. Will there be a shatafa?
The hardest struggle of all, really.
2. Will I find halal meat in the country I'm going to?
You'll most probably end up a vegetarian during your stay.
3. Am I going to be a victim of those "random" security checks at the airport?
Because if you're name is Fatima, Ahmed, Mohammed... the list goes on and on... you may be stopped at the airport. Will this ever stop?
If you're a male...
4. Should I consider shaving/getting a haircut?
Well, because having a beard or long hair, basically being hairy, is automatically associated with being Muslim. And, the only thing that runs through your mind is... where's the logic?
If you're a female...
5. Am I going to get interrogated because I choose to wear the hijab?
And sometimes you just get way too anxious when thinking what's going to happen to you when passing those security officers.
6. Where's the qibla?
Thanks to technology, apps have made this so much easier for Muslims when traveling.
7. Am I going to get kicked off the plane?
Well, getting escorted off airplanes is trending around the world. Just hope you won't be a victim of it ever!