Rihla Reminiscence

For those of us who were not able to attend the Rihla to blessed Makkah and Madinah this year, at least we can read about some of the experiences shared by our fortunate brothers and sisters!

One such sister writes:

The rihla was so incredible that it's difficult for me to find the words to explain how I felt and how I still feel. Actually, how I feel right now is pretty simple - sad - that I had to leave at all. I can't even begin to describe to you the experiences we were made privy to. It doesn't even suffice just to say that we were blessed to be among our amazing shuyukh in the most sacred of cities in the world. It was a ni'mah beyond comprehension. Alhamdulillah, we visited many historic sites and prayed in so many masajid that I have trouble remembering which is which when I look back at the pictures. When I close my eyes, I picture myself inside Masjid Nabawi and I think that was the best part about being able to spend so much time there - we really got a chance to imbibe Madinah. Every morning after Fajr I have tears in my eyes because I miss Madinah so much. I wish that everyone could experience what we were so fortunate to live for 3 weeks - each day that takes me farther from our experience I struggle to keep my grasp on what I learned, what I witnessed, what I was so extremely blessed to be a part of. I've been slowly translating my notes onto my computer in hopes of sharing the gems of knowledge that were imparted to us to others who were unable to come. It's also been a good way of keeping in touch with all of the information we were given access to. I know you asked us to share a favorite experience, but I don't know if I can -subhan Allah, it was all so wonderful that every minute was my favorite!

Keep me in your duas insha Allah, and I will do the same for you.