Problems and Solutions of Bangkok Muslim Pilgrims in 2025: Historical, Cultural, and Islamic Jurisprudential Perspectives

Nawawee Arawan; Rusdi  Thaokloy

Authors

Nawawee Arawan Ridwanool Islam Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
Rusdi Thaokloy Faculty of Shariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

Keywords:

Pilgrims, Thai Muslims, Islamic history, Islamic urisprudence (Fiqh), Islamic culture

Abstract

The performance of Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This study aims to examine the problems and solutions facing Muslim pilgrims from Bangkok in 2025 by analyzing three dimensions: the historical dimension, the cultural dimension, and the dimension of Islamic jurisprudence. The research employs a qualitative methodology, collecting data from historical documents, texts of Islamic jurisprudence, and in-depth interviews with 10 pilgrims from Bangkok as well as 5 relevant officials. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that the main problems of pilgrims include (1) Structural problems inherited from historical models of Hajj management, (2) issues of cultural differences and cross-cultural communication, and (3) Problems of understanding Islamic legal provisions in contemporary social contexts. Proposed solutions should emphasize integrating knowledge from history, culture, and Islamic jurisprudence, as well as developing public policies and systematic religious preparedness. Reform the Hajj management system with state support for community and religious organizations; develop blended religious-practical pre-Hajj curricula; provide cross-cultural readiness training, language instruction, and simulations with an etiquette handbook; and offer practical fiqh courses, niyyah training, and fatwa-guidelines for emergencies.

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