Among the key philosophies of life in Islam is “hospitality,” as enshrined in Qur’an 59:9: “but they give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation”.
Hospitality is considered a virtue in Islam, part of the acts of worship that attract rewards from Allah and bring personal and societal benefits.
Hospitality also plays an important role in any society that wishes to attract businesses and tourism. By and large, societies that are people-centred, with a particular focus on friendly and hospitable policies towards tourists, thrive economically, socially and in other aspects of life.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to the guest, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari)
While exploring ways of widening revenue generation for a developing country like Ghana, the hospitality industry must receive significant attention due to its proven role in increasing the revenues of developed countries across the world.
Research shows improved revenue generation for countries that prioritized tourism in the early 21st century, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, and Morocco.
The same applied to Ghana during the launch of the Year of Return and the Beyond the Return initiatives, where revenues generated by tourism far exceeded projections.
To date, Ghana continues to enjoy the goodwill of Black communities abroad, largely due to the hospitality and friendliness of Ghanaians, in addition to the peaceful nature and ambience of the country.
These points in one direction: a friendly nation is a magnet to countless blessings of Allah, including economic rewards.
Through initiatives such as “Be My Guest,” (in my proposal) in partnership with major international hospitality management brands like Airbnb, or by sanitising the industry through strict enforcement of laws and regulations, Ghana can become the number one tourist destination in Africa.
Hospitality promotes social relations and helps one attain closeness to Allah by maintaining good relations between people.
Among the powerful tools for establishing a good hospitality industry are:
1. Respect for guests
2. Friendliness
3. Kindness
4. Honesty
5. Support
6. Protection
7. Generosity
8. Entertainment
These also become the rights of guests upon their arrival in your house, community, or country, much as it is the right of your neighbour. Islamic philosophy on hospitality sees a guest with the rights of a neighbour.
As such, good neighbourliness is a fundamental fabric of every society and a cardinal tool in service to Allah and humanity.
Abu Shurayh reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “By Allah, he does not have faith!” three times. It was said, “Who is it, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet replied: “He whose neighbour is not safe from his harm.” (Bukhari)
Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), the father of the three Abrahamic religions, was the first to establish hospitality and to introduce its rules among humankind.
The Qur’an states: “My angels came to Ibrahim with the good news (of a son). They said, ‘Salaam.’ He also said, ‘Salaam.’ After that, in a short time, he brought the roasted calf.” 11:69.
Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrated that when the delegation of the Abdul Qays tribe came to the Prophet (S.A.W.), he said: “Welcome, O delegation who have come! Neither will you face disgrace, nor will you regret.”
In this article, I humbly call on the authorities in the public and private sectors of our economy, particularly policymakers, to give the tourism and hospitality industry the very best of our time and attention.
I pray the following recommendations find their way into discussions about boosting tourism and attracting foreign direct investment into Ghana:
1. Keep the policy of Beyond the Return, but modify or improve upon it.
2. Upgrade the citizenship and naturalisation policy of the previous administration, as it has promoted Ghana abroad and made the country attractive to targeted audiences and investors.
3. Enforce regulations in the industry, especially regarding the security of guests.
4. Ensure effective collaboration with key players in the industry to accommodate domestic input and modifications.
5. Take advantage of exhibitions, festivals, and events organised by Ghanaians in the diaspora to promote Ghana to both the diaspora and the investor community.
6. Many like-minded people are ready to volunteer in promoting Ghana whenever they travel. Identify, Invite and Empower this group of people, businesses, and academics. For example, by encouraging them to wear or carry Ghanaian symbols such as the flag, kente, or a Ghana-made wristband when attending international forums and symposia.
7. Inculcate in young Ghanaians (5–15 years old) the culture and habits of African, and specifically Ghanaian, hospitality. Create cultural ambassador groups in junior and senior high schools and relaunch cultural and hospitality day celebrations in schools.
I pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the wisdom to reap from the abundant blessings of ideation, innovation and their use for the benefit of all.
Long live Ghana, and may she become greater and stronger.
The author is Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Eminent Member and Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council – The National Peace Council of Ghana. Consultant in ADR, Human Rights, and Islamic Affairs.
