THE phrase “travel broadens the mind” means that exploring new places and experiencing different cultures will boast one’s knowledge, tolerance and empathy.
By stepping outside your familiar environment, one learns to understand alternative perspectives and challenge your own prejudices.
This is seemingly the point being made on a Threads post by @daffodils15_ who urged Malaysian Muslims to use their passports more often to experience how Muslims abroad live and practice their faith.
Using famed football stars Lamine Yamal and Mesut Ozil to illustrate how Muslims elsewhere may subscribe to different values, it was said many locals are disappointed by the former’s “lifestyle” and the latter’s body ink.
Claiming that many local Muslims would find a visit to Istanbul a shock to the system as booze is openly sold and consumed, he recalled: “Casual invitations to partake in alcoholic beverages were plentiful even though we’re wearing hijab.”
She further highlighted the sale of alcohol directly opposite holy Muslim sites in Saudi Arabia which would represent a massive jolt to the senses of Malaysian Muslims.
By amassing frequent flyer miles, local Muslims will be able to expand their horizons and fully understand that being born a Muslim in Malaysia is a blessing and a privilege.
It was added that her observations were based on travelling abroad for a year and were not meant to sound holier-than-thou especially in reference to the famous footballer’s chosen lifestyles.
It is just meant to highlight that there are differences in the way Muslims abroad practice their religion and that locals should NOT be disappointed by their lifestyle choices that may be anathema to local sensibilities.
More pertinently, she noted that that there were too many Malaysian Muslims who act as unofficial moral police who are quick to viral any behaviour deemed unacceptable to them.
The post has generated 60.6K likes, 994 comments,9.2K re-posts and 1.2K shares at the time of writing with many a backpacker keen to share their experiences and observations on being a global citizen.
First and foremost, one grateful citizen agreed that it is indeed a blessing to be born a Muslim in Malaysia as there are mufti, ustaz and religious experts to guide the faithful as well as make relevant decrees.
Recounting business meetings where she was pressured into imbibing alcoholic beverages, this episode made this commenter appreciate the freedom for citizens to practice their religion in a multi-cultural society.
“Experiences like these remind me not to take for granted how easy it is to practice our beliefs and find halal options here,” she noted.
“It is not only us who are Muslims in this world.” One commenter made this salient observation post-umrah (mini haj), noting the many differences between Muslims from different corners of the world.
“Born as a Muslim in Malaysia is a privilege that is not fully appreciated by many.”
Echoing this sentiment, a Muslim from Brunei got a massive culture shock when working in the Middle East.
Arabs who drank and sported tattoos as well as lady folk who performed solat (prayers) with manicures were among the concepts alien to this visitor.
Agreeing that travel expands horizons and pushes people beyond comfort zones, it was advised that Muslims learn from these experiences but NOT follow them.
The pertinent point here is that practicing Islam in Malaysia is smooth and seamless. From plentiful mosques and suraus to official halal certification, Muslims are able to practice their faith easily alongside the do’s and don’ts from relevant religious authorities.
What is less welcoming is the moral police who will swiftly condemn anything that does not fit with their narrow interpretation of religion.
As pointed out by the poster, travel and the differences between being a Muslim in Malaysia and elsewhere will become very pronounced indeed. – July 26, 2026
Main image: marketech-apac.com
