Potensi masjid sebagai produk pelancongan di Malaysia / Azarudin Awang ...[et al.]

The mosque is an Islamic Syiar that is visible, clear and easily
recognizable. In the time of Rasullullah S.A.W and the time of
the Khulafa', the mosque played a major role in religious
activities, society, culture, politics, education, and even the
spread of Islam. The role and function of the mosque is likened
to the heart of the Muslim community. If the heart is no longer
functioning, the body will surely die. Realizing the function and
role of mosques that are important to the Muslim community,
great mosques of the world are built in grand and beautiful
fashion as a symbol of Islamic strength and civilization.
Mosques are built at very strategic locations, especially in
settlement areas or large cities of the world. Mosques that are
built with great aesthetic and architectural value may create
attention and attract not only Muslims, but also non-Muslims
visitors. The beautiful architecture of mosque has become an
attractive tourism product that may attracts local and foreign
tourists which may improve a country’s economy. This paper
aims to measure and highlight the potential of mosques as
one of the tourism products in Malaysia under the category of
Islamic tourism. Data were obtained from previous studies that
discuses on studies related to mosques as a tourism product in
Malaysia. The results of the study revealed that mosques as
part of a tourism products has the potential to contribute to
the development of the tourism industry through homestay
activities, pilgrimages and worship at mosques; and ‘Mosque
Tourism’ program. This study is significant because Malaysia
has become a global tourist destination that offers various
categories of tourism products that caters to both local and
foreign tourists.