After Ramadan, a group of Al-Huda School students, staff, and community members from Dar-us-Salaam embarked on a one-week transformative journey through Islamic Spain, also known as Al-Andalus. I was blessed to be a part of this trip.
The aim of this trip was to enrich our AlHuda High School students’ understanding of Islamic history as part of their Islamic Studies curriculum, and the door was open for parents and community members to join. Organized in partnership with Travelight Tours, this oneof-a-kind experience offered more than just sightseeing —it brought history to life, rooted our hearts in spiritual reflection, and left us with a deep appreciation for our Muslim heritage.
Walking through the cobbled streets of AlAndalus where the sweet scent of orange blossoms perfumed the air, crowded window sills filled with overspilling flowers, and ancient doors that served as a time portal to our honorable Islamic heritage, there was rich history behind every corner we turned. Our tour guide Brother Yasin Maymir of Ilim Tour held our attention through every step, breathing the ancient stories of Al-Andalus into life with such passion that we could see ourselves traveling back in time to the Golden Age of Islam.
There’s a saying, ‘Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.’ That’s what Brother Yasin did. He visually grabbed you and brought you into the story, connecting every detail back to Islam and our history,”
— Essa El-Ghazali,
Al-Huda High School class of 2025
“One story that stayed with me was when Brother Yasin pointed out that the fountains were key-shaped to symbolize the opening of Spain.These details that people from the outside world might see as just a nice fountain or a nice palace — for us Muslims, they have historical significance.”
The inclusion of Islamic legacy trips into the AlHuda School curriculum has always been part of the vision of the school. “We are trying to build Allah-focussed leaders at Al-Huda School, and showing our students what happens when [the Muslims] follow their deen and what happens when we veer away from it – from our history – is a powerful lesson in leadership,” said Dr. Haroon Baqai, Al-Huda School principal.
There are lessons in every city we visited: Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Algeciras, and Gibraltar. “Stepping into the cultural heritage of Al-Andalus was breathtaking,” said Zakariya Zayed in 11th Grade. “I can’t put it into words.There was architecture I had never seen and people I’d never met before. Everything was a little overwhelming, but in a good way. It’s something you have to experience for yourself — and I hope you do. We are the next generation. We’re going to be the Muslim Ummah after the older ones are gone. So we always have to learn from the past, from history. Seeing how once the Muslims were super powerful in Al-Andalus, and then seeing how Islam declined — I wanted to learn what mistakes were made, so that I can ensure that, as an Ummah, we don’t make them again.”
Every monument we visited held a story and a reminder — not just of the past, but of our purpose as Muslims today. Along the way, Imam Safi Khan and Brother Yasin Maymir offered powerful reflections that made history a means of spiritual renewal. “During the bus rides or train rides between cities, Imam Safi would sit down and share some thoughts. One thing he said that really stuck with me is that Muslims aren’t better than non-Muslims just because they’re Muslim. Islam teaches us to work hard for our success and to earn Allah’s favor, especially when it comes to the Akhirah,” said Essa El-Ghazali.
The Dar-us-Salaam experience of Al-Andalus is one of a kind — not only did we get to see, touch, and walk through our ancient Islamic heritage, but every story was woven with reminders of Allah, rooting and renewing us in our faith every step of the way. This wasn’t just a tour. It was a walking du‘a, a living classroom, and a connection to something much greater than ourselves.
“Your age doesn’t matter,” said Zain Alsubehat in 11th Grade. “It’s important to go on this trip to increase your Islamic knowledge and see the world —especially a place like Al-Andalus.
One experience I’m especially grateful for from the trip is meeting the group. I knew a couple of the brothers and sisters who went on the trip, but it was also great to meet new Muslims—especially the tour on the Andalus trip! Plaza de España guide Brother Yasin.”
“Definitely join the trip next time!” added his twin sister Jenna Alsubehat. “One of the best things about going with Dar-us-Salaam was that everything was already planned out for us. My mom felt so relieved, and it was a big weight off our shoulders. Also, there’s a lot to learn, and it’s a new experience. Get out of your comfort zone.”
“The best thing about travelling with Dar-us-Salaam is the community,” said Khalisa Bello in 9th Grade. “As a group of Muslims, we bonded so much. You just feel more comfortable with people like you, and we helped each other out. It was a very nice community, and it was really nice to get to know everyone a little bit more.”
As we look ahead, we pray that this experience continues to open doors for future generations to learn, connect, and be inspired by the beauty of our Islamic heritage.
