Halal Getaways - Birmingham

Hanna R. A.

This trip was an unforgettable journey through the heart of Spain’s Islamic heritage, a testament to the unparalleled achievements of a civilisation that once led the world in knowledge, art, and innovation. I was struck by the intricate beauty and grandeur of Alhambra, Alcázar, and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. I realised how much of this incredible legacy has been hidden or overshadowed and obscured over time, due to jealousy or for religious and political agendas. It struck right at the core of my heart, how little I truly understood the profound impact Muslims had on shaping the modern world. Learning about the tragic fate of the Moriscos, who endured unimaginable persecution yet remained steadfast in their faith to Allah, left me deeply moved and humbled by their unwavering devotion. This eye-opening and jaw-dropping experience was enriched especially by the wisdom of our knowledgeable guides, brother Tariq and Ustaz Adnan. It is a poignant reminder of how much we Muslims know about our own history and the responsibility we carry to honour and share this legacy with the current and future generations. May Allah reward them both for their effort and unwavering devotion. Take this tour, spread the word and join in the struggle to keep Islamic history alive.

syeda M.

I am still marveling at what I experienced on the Andalusian tour with Halal Getaways. What an incredible unforgettable experience journeying with Br Tariq and Ust. Adnan Rashid as they unfold the story of Islamic Spain or “La Espania Musalmana”.

Having the opportunity to bring teenagers and young adult youth was such a blessing, so together we can bear witness of the achievements of our past leaders.
The combination of tours , bus ride talks and presentations was helpful. Br Tariq and Ust Adman were able to engage the group with well thought out discussions.

The story that unfolded in Andalusia was not a story we were not told about in schools in the west, it is a story that shows our Muslim heritage here in the west and gives us a sense belonging.
On this trip You will witness the Incredible feats done by inspiring leaders of the past, leaders whose lives where not just about themselves but they had big goals and these leaders established one of the most advanced kingdoms in the world and Allah swt paved the way for them. We learned of their humbleness towards Allah swt, not something we currently envision with powerful leaders.

Seeing the places and sites really brought it to reality, you will see amazing feats of engineering and intricate architectural design built by the hands of Muslims and you will wonder how did they achieve so much in so little time? So many lessons to be learned, but also lessons to take heed as the ultimate fate of previous generations of Muslims in Spain is incredibly sad.
I learned a lot from the tour and both Br Tariq and Ust. Adnan are well informed on this subject and very approachable to ask questions. We also were also shown historical sites with local well informed tour guides, so we got an insight from the locals guides. The coach was very comfortable and our driver was very proficient and helpful. Our group was was friendly and fun and we all became one big family.

So if you want to learn, take a tour that is different from the norm, be mesmerized at the incredible architecture and feast your eyes on some amazing landscapes. I would highly recommend joining Br Tariq and Ust Adnan on Halal getaways Andalusian tour and prepare to be inspired!

Jazakallahu khairan Br Tariq and Ust Adnan. May Allah swt reward you both immensely for your efforts Ameen!

Rizwana A.

Absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way and would definitely recommend everyone attend and learn the Islamic history in Al Andalusia (Spain). I will certainly be recommending to all my family and friends.

I came onto this journey knowing nothing about the Islamic history in Al Andalusia (Spain) and didn’t even realise there was any Islamic connection whatsoever however, I have come away with so much enriching knowledge.

The sites are awe-inspiring and what is even more phenomenal is that the Muslims created all this.

An additional bonus is the great people in the group and I have made so many new friends.

Mehnaz S.

Joined Halal Getaways for the 'Rise of the Ottomans' tour in Türkiye and had a brilliant time, I can highly recommend travelling with them. It's wonderful to visit a new country without worrying about the hotels, transport, or entry tickets because they take care of it all.

Ustadh Adnan covered so much history of the sites we visited across three different cities in his usual enthusiastic and engaging manner. We were also accompanied by a local Turkish guide, Muhammed, who had an incredible passion and infectious love for his country. I felt safe travelling with them and was fortunate to be with a lovely group of fellow tourists. A combination of all this made it an ideal trip الحمدللہ

Badrul O.

Assalamualaikum, my family and I have joined the trip to Andalusia between 5/21 till 5/30/2023 under Halal Gateways with my masjid in Latham New York. These trip/journey is very amazing, eye opener, reconnect with the Islamic history here and educational especially for my kids. Even them said this journey is awesome and they enjoy every second while we are here. Halal Gateway provide very different travel, it very spiritual with class been conducted to educate us about the rise and fall of Islam in Andalusia. It been conducted in such enjoyable and we feel proud of what islam has done to West Civilization, at same time there is lesson learnt from the down fall of Islam there. I’m very encouraging people to join the trip that conduct by Halal Gateway especially the youth even for non Muslim. They just provide education from history perspective about the Andalusia…

Famiza H.

This was one of the most eye opening experience I have ever encountered. Unfortunately, I didn’t know anything about the Islamic History of Spain and going in this tour with Tariq Mahmood and his Halal Getaways team and Sheikh Bilal Ismail and the Al Kauthar team, has inspired me to learn more about the rise and fall of Islam. I’ve gained so much knowledge and wisdom visiting both Spain and Morocco and would highly recommend this tour to others. Tariq’s incredible knowledge about the Islamic history of Spain was so inspiring that it’s given me a newfound thirst for more knowledge and Sheikh Bilal Ismail’s daily insightful reminders and advice was a bonus to make my imaan stronger. I’m looking forward to joining other tours with this incredible team.

Tea F. T. T. O.

You have to go again and again. Our second trip to Al Andalus. This is a 'MUST DO' trip for Muslim families and teens. Spend a week with like-minded people, passionate about our deen and Islamic heritage and return home with a fresh new purpose in life to make sure we spread the glory that adherence to the deen once honoured us with. Ust Adnan Rashid and Br Tariq and the team took excellent care of us from start to finish and enriched us with educational presentations along the way to make this experience a 'Once in a lifetime' where 'Once' is not enough !

Hamzah R.

Asalamualaikum all,

I'd like to personally thank all the organisers for making this trip (Al-Andalus July 2023) so special and unique MashaAllah.

I say this for myself firstly - that there are a number of things that one can think about after returning from a trip with Halal Getaways:

1) Going to a trip with Halal Getaways is truly eye opening and will leave you spiritually boosted - the sense of confidence and the boost in Eeman that we have now after following the footsteps of the Muslims of Spain should be taken forward inshaAllah onto whatever it is that we do - to pursue excellence for the sake of Allah swt.

2) That it is possible for Muslims to work together- our group was made up of so many nationalities, personalities and professions, we could not have been a more different bunch. Yet we all supported each other and enjoyed each others company.

3) What we've learnt on this trip in terms of history, geography, science and politics will stand us in good stead in today's world, where we learn from the mistakes and good things of the past to guide us in the present. There is something for all age groups and all backgrounds, whether you are a new student or esteemed scholar, whether you are travelling solo or are with your family- you will learn, enjoy, relax and be in a Halal environment.

For those of you reading reviews- I implore you to sign up to one of the trips offered by Halal Getaways, and experience something truly amazing mashaAllah.

Jazakhallahu Khairan