Exploring the ancient Islamic world has always been a dream of mine — not only to witness the old sights and learn about the civilizations, but to experience it all through an Islamic lens. That’s what these trips with Dar-us-Salaam provided me: an opportunity to visit places with a group of like-minded Muslim travelers, and a specially selected Muslim tour guide along the way. Being able to take my daughter Mariam along with me in a group of Al-Huda School and Dar-us-Salaam teachers, staff, and community members was an extra bonus on top. We were even joined by a fun, older couple all the way from Atlanta, Georgia who had no previous ties to Dar-us-Salaam!
Stepping onto Moroccan soil had me transported into a different world entirely. The beauty of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca was breathtaking, with its intricate arches and domes, and the details both in and outside had me in awe. You could smell the ocean which was right next to us, the strong wind was blowing, and my daughter Mariam was running around while the beautiful melody of the adhan rang out over the city. It was a moment that had me appreciating the beauty of our religion, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Allah having blessed me to attend this trip.
In Marakkech, otherwise known as the Al-Madinah Al-Hamraa’ (The Red City), almost all the buildings were a shade of red, due to the rich color of their soil. We visited the markets and the Koutubia masjid. We saw the beauty of Moroccan architecture in the Bahia Palace. In Rabat we visited an ancient castle, the Kasbah of the Udayas, which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean and was used as a military fortress by the Muslims in the 12th century.
But the place that truly captured my heart was the ancient medina of Fes. Originally known as Bayn Al-Jabalayn (Between the Two Mountains), this ancient city of Fes is the home of creative cultural traditions and Islamic civilization blended into one. With over 100 minarets and madrasas, the city of Fes is known for having produced many Islamic scholars, especially since this is the home of Al-Qarawiyyin University — the first university ever founded in the world, established by Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 AD.
As we walked through the cobbled streets and the winding, narrow alleyways that could only be accessed on foot, Fes transported us to the past. We saw people weaving, woodworking, and tile-making, and the pungent smell of the tanneries wafted past us as we walked by the leather shops. Cultural traditions that have been passed down generations – all handmade with prevision, love, and care. There was so much to see – we visited the Bou Inania Madrasa and
Al-Qarawiyyin University, both standing reminders of the rich Islamic heritage this city held within its walls.
These trips with Travelight and Dar-us-Salaam are a one of a kind experience, and I highly recommend people to join upcoming ones in the future. Especially as an Al-Huda School parent, knowing that I can take my child on an immersive experience that not only teaches us about our Islamic history, but also exposes us to different cultures and people, is an invaluable opportunity to learn and make memories together. Whether it’s trying authentic food like tagine and couscous, exploring bazaars, or learning about how our Muslim ancestors lived in the past, every moment spent together creates special experiences for us that we will cherish forever. You get to also go with community members, meet new people and establish friendships along the way — so win, win!
