Summer 2001 -
Photo Gallery - Southern Spain (Aug. 1-14, 2001).
Summer 2002 -
Photo Gallery - Southern Spain (Aug. 1-14, 2002).
Comments from Summer
2001 Tour Participants:
Hafiz:
I have seen pictures of the Alhambra Palace while taking a Spanish language
class in college. Ever since, I wanted to come and see Andalusia with my own
eyes. I could feel the spirit of our forefathers as we go through the big masjid
of Cordoba, and other Muslim remains. If one listens, he/she can hear Andalusia
sing. It is a sad song that misses the hustle & bustle of Muslims, the adhan of
the Mueddhins from tall minarets, the recitations of the Qur'an and so much
more. I am grateful to Allah (SWT) that I got this opportunity to see all the
memories of 700 years. I wish all Muslims could have a look at this rich
heritage of ours!
Sanna:
SubhanAllah this trip is an opportunity of a lifetime and Alhumdulillah I
have the opportunity to be a part of it. I personally have never been to the
Middle East and had the opportunity to see the Muslim art there, this is my
first exposure to Islamic art up close and personal and I have been blown away.
There are no words to describe the majestic beauty of the Muslim architecture
here. Some of the masajid we have seen have been converted to churches. One
side is still intact as a masjid, the rest is converted to a church. Seeing both
forms of art side by side just makes you appreciate Islamic art so much more.
the simplicity and uniqueness is so captivating. You know where you can find
peace praying to Allah. Itıs hard not to feel a sense of loss when in these
masajid-churches. May Allah bring unity back to the Muslims, Ameen.
Ambarin:
The trip has been an honor, to see and experience Muslim Spain, so far. I
must admit that I am saddened by the entire history of this time period. It is
very depressing to see how history constantly repeats itself, on how Muslims
have been expelled out of their own homes, for only a messy idea called powerı.
Inshallah, through our experience many will come and restore this history and
learn through the past and their mistakes.
Sami:
Speechless! Speechless!!
Zara:
This is overwhelming and a trip of a lifetime. I have seen so much things
such as the palaces and massive monuments. I was very happy to see the Roman
remains.
Zahabiyah and Almina:
This trip has been amazing. I wasnıt so sure about what it would be like,
but it is a great learning experience. It is wonderful that we can be together
as Muslims, while experiencing different monuments and Islamic art all over
Spain. My favorite so far was the horse carriage ride in Sevilla last night. It
was so relaxing, and we had a really good time. I am looking forward to jet
skiing and para-sailing in Malaga.
Rooman Ahad , Hina Sodha and Ateka Ali:
Throughout our lives each of us have had the opportunity to visit various
mosques around the world, from the Blue mosque in Turkey, to the Umayyad in
Syria. But these structures could not compare to the awe and amazement that
overcame us when we entered the grand mosque of Cordoba. With its 900 pillars
and elaborate mihrab, this structure was the physical manifestation of the
hearts of the Muslim community that surrounded it. The hidden heritage buried
beneath the cobblestone roads of Andalusia tells the story of our people that
for so many generations has been forgotten and yearns to be retold. InshAllah
may every Muslim be blessed with the opportunity to visit such a place that
reminds us of who we were, the mistakes we made, and where we need to return.
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