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This was the last Rujulah Retreat activity that I attended, due to vehicular space constraints. The boys were taken to the souq to shop for gifts for themselves and for their families/friends. Being without a mirror while trying on thawbs, the boys posed so as to see how their choices looked like on them.
bees swarming around sweets
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When all was said and done, the midday prayer (dhuhr) had come in, and so we went to the Qariwiyyin to pray and rest.
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The walk from Al-Andalus Mosque to the van was busy with swift delights. We passed an enormous flower mill, cats guarding for-sale-chickens, and an orange juice peddler who was delighted to make such a large sale so early in the morning. The fifteen minute walk proved how lively Fez can be, and how ready you must be for adventure to cross your path.
Here's a better look at the awesomeness of the mill!
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From the Merinides Tomb we took a beautiful, circuitous route along the hills surrounding the Old City until we were a fifteen minute walk away from historic Al-Andalus Mosque. Maryam, the sister of Fatimah al-Fihri (founder of the Qariwiyyin mosque) founded Al-Andalus. In the 10th century, the Umayyads of Córdoba added the minaret, an exact replica to the minaret of the Qariwiyyin. I was very fortunate to get permission to take photos of the interior, something that's generally not allowed.
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Though their flight was delayed, all the boys made it safely to Casablanca to be greeted by sunshine and their rental van.
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The Hassan II Mosque or Grande Mosquée Hassan II is the largest mosque in Morocco and Africa and the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 metres (689 ft). It was the teams first site-visit in Morocco, and a magnificent one at that.
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The Great Mosque of Salé (المسجد الأعظم) is a mosque in Salé, Morocco. Covering an area of 5,070 m2 (54,600 sq ft), it is the third-largest mosque in Morocco, and was originally built between 1028 and 1029. The boys toured it the same day they arrived, making it their second site visit.
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Within walking distance of the Grand Mosque was the beach, an old fort, a beautiful graveyard, and a blue-domed zawiyah. The boys made ziyarah to a maqam, and enjoyed the view of the sea.
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The holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoune holds a special place in the hearts of the Moroccan people. It was here that Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam and starting a new dynasty. He also initiated construction of Fez, continued later by his son, Moulay Idriss II. The boys spent the night there at a lovely hostel with an incredible view.
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Following breakfast, the boys toured the historic mosque (which was partly under construction), made ziyarah of the maqams, and then we were on our way to Fez.
