After finishing the Qatar Debate with a brilliant achievement, we won 5th place among more than 50 countries. We also went to Mecca to perform Umrah, or minor pilgrimage. During our visit to the holy lands, we toured historical sites like Jabal Al Nour, Ghar Thur and Ghar Hira. We also visited Jabal Al Rahma, Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, sites which are crucial to the rites of Hajj. Our visit to Meca was very spiritual and the students benefited by learning about our beautiful Islamic history while performing Umrah.
Then we went to Madina, the city of Muhammad (PBUH) the Messenger of Allah, where we prayed at the mosque of the prophet. While in Madina, we visited more historic sites of Islam such as the Kabaa Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque and the location of the trench and Jabal Uhud as well as museums filled with rich Islamic history.
After Saudi Arabia, we traveled to Jordan and entered Paliestine via the King Hussein Bridge. Once in Palestine, we made our way to Ramallah, two hours north of Jerusalem. We spent the evenings next to Al Aqsa Mosque. We prayed morning, noon, afternoon, evening, Maghrib and isha in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We read the Quran, listened to lessons in the Quran, visited the historical and Islamic places such as the Mosque of Omar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Buraq Wall, the Marwani Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. In addition to praying, we learned a lot about this holy city and its importance to us and to the prophets who lived in the holy city of Jerusalem. All praises to Allah, lord of the worlds.
All in all the entire trip covered four different countries and the students thoroughly enjoyed their trip. They visited the three holiest sites in Islam and are very thankful for the organisers at Al-Taqwa to allow them to experience such a life-changing journey.
