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This chapter explores the potential application of an Islamic ethical framework, based on sharia principles, to pro-poor tourism projects, specifically emphasizing the importance of charity, hard work, and self-sufficiency. In order to illustrate the appropriateness of fit of this framework, there is an initial discussion of Islamic principles derived from the Qu’ran and Sunnah in relation to current pro-poor tourism literature. After developing an Islamic pro-poor tourism framework, it is then compared to an existing multi-faceted heritage and community development project with an Islamic ethical underpinning. The Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, spearheaded by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, is large urban renewal project based in New Delhi focusing on socio-economic, environmental, and heritage improvements around Sundar Nursery, Humayun’s Tomb, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti. This project illustrates the suitability of an Islamic framework to sustainable, pro-poor tourism activities due to the inclusion of the input of multiple stakeholders and a justice-based approach to development.

The Pew Research Center has estimated that by 2060, the number of Muslims worldwide will be equal to approximately 30% of the total global population. Furthermore, as global populations gain more expendable income, travelling, especially internationally, becomes more common. Therefore, Islamic tourists can be understood as a growing market segment. This chapter defines and discusses a sub-segment of this group, referred to here as Islamic heritage tourists. This newly defined sub-group can be seen as a potentially profitable new market for European destinations with a history of Islamic rule. However, it should not be assumed that this tourist segment behaves in the same way as non-Islamic heritage tourists. This chapter presents the findings of an analysis of current national tourism websites for a variety of countries, and only one country, Spain, markets itself to Islamic tourists in general. It is concluded that there is potential for Islamic heritage tourism in Europe, but significantly more work needs to be done in order to market appropriately to them.