Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things. The Quran 29:20.
Every year IslamiCity organizes educational tours to different places. Two successful tours of 2002 returned back a week ago, Alhamdulillah. One tour was to Spain/Morocco and the other to China. Both groups averaged twenty Muslims of all ages and different places traveling together to learn more about Muslims and Islam in the distant lands. IslamiCity tours offer great learning, discovery and fun while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood.
The report on Spain/Morocco shall be ready very soon. An overview of tour to China or a video tour is ready for your enjoyment.
Group of twenty Muslims, sixteen from USA and four from Singapore comprised the IslamiCity China Tour 2002. The tour was started from and concluded in Beijing. The city of Beijing is as urban as any other major city in the West but not without many fascinating Mosques, such as Haidian, Chang Ping and Niujie Mosques. Of course who does not visit the Great Wall. Chinese food holds a unique place in the world cuisine but Halal Chinese food in China is even more unique. IslamiCity group were also presented with formal (educational) presentations about the Chinese Pearls and the famous Jade gemstone. Everyone enjoyed the varied samples of Chinese Tea and relaxed before heading to Mongolia, the home of legendary Chengiz Khan.
Contemporary Mongols defy their history written by others. Their hospitality, warmth and love of family and sports was truly amazing. They continue to hold on to their age old traditions of living in open air. The Arabic speaking Muslims of Mongolia embarrassed us to say it politely! The well practiced tradition of Quranic Calligraphy is their pride. The feast like lunch offered by the Muslims in the city of Hohhot, the capital of Mongolia will continue to remain vivid in our memories.
Xian is the beginning of historical Silk Road. Islam reached soon after it came into Arabia. The Great Mosque of Xian was built in 742 AD. The Muslims in Xian have maintained thirteen centuries old tradition of shopping in the traditional souk.
Lanzhou is yet another stop along the famous Silk Route. Centuries old remnants are visible enough everywhere. Cross-Road & Jindoulu Mosques offer best examples. IslamiCity group was privileged to listen to one of the best Qar'ee of China and meet with the Reis-el-Ulema. The whole community poured out to welcome us and to learn about Muslims and Islam in America.
The city of Lingxia is popularly known as Mecca of Muslims in China. More than a quarter of million Muslims living in this beautiful city of Lingxia seem to be taller than the tall mountains that surround them. A city of more than ninety mosques and many madrassas truly reminds one of the city of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Muslims of Lingxia and the surrounding rural towns easily remind one of the Ansar of Madina.
The entire tour was not only educational but fun and more fun. IslamiCity tours are fully guided by indigenous bilingual Muslim tour guides and offer halal meals throughout the tour. Similar tours are twice as much expensive and do not offer visits to Muslim communities and the opportunity to meet Muslims. IslamiCity sincerely thanks those who participated the 2002 tour and invites everyone to join us in 2003, InshaAllah. For more details or if you like IslamiCity to organize a customize tour for your family and friends, please email to travel@islamicity.com.