Spiritual Travel is Education

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It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking education is only what the national curriculum shows us, with a bit of Islamic studies added here and there. We lose so many learning opportunities by overlooking how much children can learn when they travel, especially when the journey is something like Umrah.

An invitation like no other

Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Allah to visit the Ka’bah and perform Umrah. May Allah allow us all to visit and perform Umrah and Hajj. Ameen.

For those of us who have been, and would love to return properly as the children get older and understand a little more, Umrah can be an incredible chance for learning in person. If you can get support with the kids while you are there, even better, as it gives you the space to take it all in.

Children who learn as they actually perform Umrah will remember far more than they would sitting in a classroom, whether at home or at the masjid. They have lived it, and real life experience sticks.

Classroom learning still matters

That is not to say classroom learning has no place. Of course it does. Our Islamic tradition has levels of classroom learning, textbook learning and oral tradition, and all of them are valuable. But having that foundation and then being able to experience it in person is something else entirely.

What else they learn on the journey

There is plenty of learning that happens without anyone planning it:

1. Patience. Queues, crowds, diversions and long walks teach this better than any lecture.
2. Gratitude. Seeing how much effort pilgrims put in, and how many people long to be there, changes how children see what they have.
3. Unity. Children see Muslims from every part of the world standing side by side, which is a lesson in the ummah you cannot recreate at home.
4. History. Walking through places connected to the Seerah brings stories to life.
5. Language. Hearing Arabic spoken, called out and recited all around them makes the words feel real.
6. Character. Looking after each other, sharing water and helping tired little legs all build kindness and responsibility.

Prepare before, reflect after

So next time you are planning Umrah, do some learning beforehand about the pilgrimage itself and the significance of each step. Learn the duas together, and talk through what will happen so children know what to expect.

Afterwards, go over it all again. This time they have done it, so the knowledge is reinforced and connected to real memories. Look at photos together, ask them what they remember best and let them explain it to someone else. Teaching it back is one of the best ways to learn.

All of it adds up to the same message: travel with a spiritual purpose is not time away from education. It is education.