Madinah and Bab Report 2015

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SHORT SUMMER COURSES IN IRAN - ANNUAL REPORT

T: +44 (0)20 8954 9881

E: [email protected]

www.world-federation.org

Registered Charity (UK), No. 282303

SHORT SUMMER COURSES IN IRAN - ANNUAL REPORT

Madinah &

Bab al-Ilm 2015


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Contents

1. Introduction

2. Course Preparation

3. Meet The Team

4. Venue

5. Course Details

6. Gender Allocation of Participants

7. The Arrival

8. Course Outline

9. Qum - Academic Programme

10. Qum - Cultural/Recreational Program

11. List of Places visited

12. Trip to Hamadan

13. Closing Ceremony

14. Tehran

15. Mashhad

16. Nishapur

17. Farewell

18. Testimonials fron Participents

19. Testimonials fron Mentors

20. Testimonials fron Parents

21. Acknowledgements

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The World Federation Madinah & Bab al-Ilm Report 2015

Introduction

The Madinah and Bab al-Ilm summer

courses are a regular feature on TheWorld Federation calendar as youths from

various parts of the globe gather togetherin the Islamic Republic of Iran for 3-weeks

of education, cultural appreciation,

spirituality and recreation. The aim of the

course is to serve as a post-Madrasah

education initiative; integrating academicscholarship with an experience of cultural

relevance of Islam in the modern agealong with a sense of enhanced

self-knowledge and understanding,leading to higher levels of spirituality and

as a result, greater service to humanity in

worship of the Almighty Allah (SWT).

Course Preparation

This year, the World Federation of KSIMC- Qum Office had the honour of hosting a

group of approx. 69 participants from four

continents and from a variety of academic,familial, geographic and linguistic

backgrounds. The course planning beganalmost 6 months prior to the landing of the

participants in Iran and was backed up bythe constant and selfless administrative

and logistical support of the IslamicEducation Office and the regional bodies:AFED, COEJ, NASIMCO, Dubai and other

Islamic centres.

Mentor training sessions, continuously for

the third year was held in Dar al-Zahra(SA), Qum and the sessions ran for three

days. Brother Qasim Gulam Husainfacilitated the sessions while brother Imran

Damani and sister Naajiya Shabbarcontributed as guest speakers on one of

the training days.

Br Qasim Gulamhusein conducting the mentor training


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Venue

The first two weeks of the course was set

in the spiritually-charged city of Qumal-Muqaddasah, where the brothersresided at the cultural and academic

centre of The Helpers of Imam al-Mahdi(ATFS), while the sisters stayed at the

pristine Jamia al-Zahra (SA) campus.

During their stay in Qum, participantsengaged in many activities within the city

where they visited historical, natural andpilgrimage sites. The last week of the

camp was spent in the Holy city ofMashhad for the Ziyarat of the beloved

eighth Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Redha (AS).

Course Details

Dates:23rd July 2015 (Thursday)

12th August 2015 (Wednesday)

Student allocation:

Bab al-Ilm participants (ages 14-17) = 46

Madinah al-Ilm participants (ages 18-24) = 23

Mentors = 13

Shaykh Nadir Jaffer

Sr. Jermein Abu ShahbaSr. Laila Habib

Br. Mahdi FadaeeSayyid Shabbar Haidar Shah

Br. Amin Afshar

Br. Muhammad Mahdi MusayyebiBr. Muhammad Ishaq Noori

Sr. Hawra Hajiyan

Br. Qasim Gulam HusainBr. Hassan Rocky

Br. Husein AbdallahBr. Mustafa Merali

Br. Shabbarali Khimji

Br. Yassir Rajabali AlidinaSr. Asma Sultan Ali Rashed

Sr. Neelam VakilSr. Zahra Dhanji

Sr. Rabab KassamSr. Sohaila Yusuf Ismail

Sr. Sabira Rizwan Manji

Sr. Masuma Fazel

Head of Madinah/Bab Course

Project ManagerLogistics Coordinator

Logistics CoordinatorQum office volunteer

Qum office volunteer

Qum office volunteerQum office volunteer

Qum office volunteer

Mentor TrainerMentor

MentorMentor

Mentor

MentorMentor

MentorMentor

MentorMentor

Mentor

Mentor

MADINAH AND BAB TEAM

Meet The Team


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AFED

CoEJ

BosniaDubai

NASIMCO

Total

Boys

3

7

/4

4

18

TOTAL

16

22

211

18

69

Girls

11

6

14

6

28

Boys

1

3

/2

3

9

Girls

1

6

11

5

14

Madinah al-Ilm Bab al-Ilm

Madinah Boys

Madinah Girls

Bab Boys

Bab Girls

9

28 14

18

Gender Allocation of Participants

The Arrival

On the 22nd July, the first group of

participants arrived and all were receivedat the airport by Qum Office staffmembers. The long flight and the

overnight lag had not dampened the spiritsof the participants as their faces lit up in

excitement for a lifetime journey, whichmay change their lives forever!

The participants settled into theirresidences and rested after their arrivals.

An opening ceremony was held on the23rd of July at a spacious auditorium; the

organisers in Qum warmly welcomed the

participants and described the corephilosophy and purpose of such courses

and explained the concept of Ziyaratfollowed by a briefing about the goals andexpectations of the course and its

management; also the participantsreceived advice on health and logistical

tips for the duration of their stay in Iran.Later, the participants were driven for their

very first emotional Ziyarat to the Haram of

Sayyida Fatima al-Masuma (SA) andMaghribain prayers. Tears and emotions

could easily be seen on the faces of theyouths.


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Course Outline

The 3-weeks summer course was

organised in a way to facilitate an

encompassing personality developmentkeeping Islamic values and principles at itscore while maintaining resemblance with

the Hawza style of living. The programs

were fully planned and scheduled, while ascope of flexibility was built in, to avoid

rigidity and maintain buffer for adaptabilityand change. In Qum, participants were

encouraged to steadily settle into the

schedule, the same pattern was extendedto the Holy City of Mashhad, resulting in

deriving maximum benefit for theparticipants.

Qum Academic Program

The academic component was geared

towards the intellectual faculty of theparticipants and aimed towards furtheringan academic study of Islam through its

primary sources - the Quran and the Ahl

al-Bayt (AS). It consisted of the morning

program beginning with Fajr Salaatfollowed by occasional twilight programs

led by different scholars where reflective

sessions were conducted in outdoorlocations. Sometimes, participants begantheir typical day with Fajr prayers at the

Haram of Sayyida Fatima al-Masuma

(SA). The zeal and passion of the Ziyaratwere evident in the morning despite of the

busy and hectic long summer days; theywere all awake and ready to gain and

charge their spirituality by Salaat al-Layl

and that too in the Haram of SayyidaMasuma (SA).

The daily classes commenced after the

breakfast at 10 a.m. English-speakingscholars would dedicate instructional time

to the participants every day and discussissues on topics such as Aqaed, Akhlaq,

the purpose of life and the reality of theHereafter, Knowing one-self, Towheed,Quranic principles, youth issues and Fiqh

(Practical laws and Principles).

Briefing on the Philosophy of Ziyarat at the Opening Ceremony


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The participants were divided into 5

groups to accommodate differentacademic levels and proper interactive

class capacities resulting in 15 formalperiods running daily.

Participants benefitted from a great

number of learning opportunities beyond

the classroom as well as engaging in

informal discussions with teachers outsidethe session with opportunities for

interaction and Q&A. They also participatedin outdoor friendly gatherings with

esteemed scholars followed by dinner.Seminars and workshops were presented

on different topics such as Media and its

The Haram of Sayyida Masuma (AS)

Shaykh Muhammad Khalfan conducting his class on Quranic Principles


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Sayyid Mahmood Kaviani

Sayyid Ali Aqib JafariSh. Muhammad Ali Shomali

Sh. Hakim IlahiSh. Muhammad Khalfan

Br. Safiullah KhanBr. Ali Azim Shirazi

Br. Nadir JafferBr. Muhammad Mahdi Musayyebi

Br. Imran Damani

Br. Amin Shaeri Afshar

Br. Ali HemaniBr. Miqdad Rajabali

Br. Javad ShomaliSis. Razia Batool Najafi

Sis. Batool ArastuSis. Naajiya Shabbar Shah

Sis. Asma SultanSis. Sajida Hemani

INSTRUCTORS & PERSONALITIES

impact on the subconscious mind,

premarital issues, prophetic medicine,

balanced life in Islam, and the arrival of

Imam Al-Hujjah (ATFS).

Qum Cultural/Recreational

Program

The primary aim of the cultural program

was to provide the participants a perspec-tive on living Islam and its manifestations

in their day-to-day life; this consisted ofperforming Ziyarats of the progeny of the

Imams (AS) buried in Qum, visiting the

Jamkaran Mosque, meetings with

high-status scholars, informal gatheringsin parks and also taking part in various

recreational activities such as hiking at Mt.Khidhr, swimming, soccer/football and

more!

Having Breakfast


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Br Amin giving a briefing at Ibn Babwayhs grave

Mentors having a reflection session with participants outdoors


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Boys reciting Nasheed on Imam Mahdi (AFS) at Jamkaran Mosque

Twilight session on the reality of death and the hereafter at Mount Khidhr


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Holy Shrine of Sayyida Fatimah al-Ma'suma (SA)

Masjid Jamkaran

Mount Khidhr (AS)

Bait al-Noor: The worship place of Sayyida Masuma (SA) Hadhrat Musa al-Mubarqa' (son of Imam al-Jawad (AS)) and the 40 stars The new Dhareeh for Samarra of Imamayn al-Askariyain (AS)

Library of Late Ayatullah Sayyid Marashi Najafi (RA) Karbalaee Kadhim and Rasool Tork (RA)

Gulzaar-e Shuhada (the Garden of Martyrs)

House of Late Ayatullah Sayyid Borujardi (RA) House of Late Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Reza Gulpaygani (RA)

Shaykh Ali Ibn Babawayh Qummi (RA) - Father of Sh. Sadooq (letter from

Imam al-Askari (AS) to him) Shaykh Jaffer Ibn Qoluway Qummi (RA) - Author of many books including Kaamil al-Ziyaraat

The great Arif, Ayatullah Mirza Jawad Maleki Tabrezi (RA)

Noor Software Institution Ansariyan Publication

Dar al-Zahra (SA) - The World Federation Qum Office and presentation on the doctrine of Mahdawiyyat

Shaykhain graveyard

House of Imam Khomeini (RA) Visit to Brother Shaykh Ali Azhar Arastu (RA)

Tour of Haram and graves of Ulama & Maraje buried inside the Holy Shrine Alawi Park and meeting with Head of International Department of Al-Mustafa

International University

LIST OF PLACES VISITED

Opening and Closing Ceremonies Jum'ah prayers in Haram (2nd row for boys) + summary of sermons in English

Dua Kumail, Dua Tawassol, Dua Nudba, Dua Simaat, and Ziyarah Jamia al-Kabeerah at holy places

Majlis of Yawm-e-Gham in remembrance of the destruction of holy shrines in Baqee

Special Qur'anic program with young Hafiz of holy Qur'an, Nahj al-Balaghah and Saheefa al-Sajjadiyyah

Reflection sessions with mentors Sports and Swimming

Shopping

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN QUM


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Girls having a friendly gathering session with Shaykh Hakim Ilahi in Qum

The grave and library of Ayatullah Marashi Al-Najafi


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Boys swimming in what is known to be the best swimming pool in Qum!

Iranian cuisine Eastern Indian spicy food

Western Fast Food (Pizzas, Burgers, Nuggets, French fries, Gyros, etc)

Isfahani food at renown Isfahani restaurant (boys) Najafi Iraqi food

FOOD (Variety provided)

Trip to Hamadan

After spending a few days in Qum, a tripwas organised to visit one of the most

beautiful and historical places of Iran,Hamadan. It was indeed a trip worth fun

and excitement. Although far from Qum, itwas worth travelling and exploring the

beauty of the creation of Allah (AWJ).

Participants visited Avicenna, the NationalMuseum of Hamadan, Ganjnameh

Scriptures, rode on cable-cars to the top ofthe mountain, enjoyed waterfalls and

visited Abbas Abad. After staying a night inluxurious villas of Hamadan, participants

headed towards one of the worlds

greatest water caves Ali Sadr Cave

where they boated and enjoyed the beautyof this magnificent creation of Allah (SWT).

We had no words to say but SubhanAllah,Alhamdulillah, and MashaAllah!!!


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Enjoying the WaterFall at Hamadan

The Cave of Ali Sadr


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Closing Ceremony

At the end of the stay in the holy city ofQum, the participants began setting their

minds and spirits towards preparing for the

climax of the whole course. At the

ceremony, the participants were alsoinvited to share their thoughts and feelings

about the camp and studentrepresentatives spoke about their

experiences on behalf of all participants.

Natural History Museum in Hamadan

Qum: Closing ceremony


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Tehran

The capital of the Islamic Republic wasour last destination before flying toMashhad. The day consisted ofmemorable events; from visiting the shrine

of Imam Khomeini (RA), graves of Martyrsand victims of terrorist attacks buried atBehishte Zahra cemetery (Paradise ofSayyida Zahra (AS) to the prison of

Savak. Finally to soothe the nerves, theparticipants performed the Ziyarat of theGrand Sayyid - Abdul Adheem al-Hasani(RA) and others from the progeny of Ahlal-Bayt (AS). They also visited KahfShuhada and were told miraculous stories

of Martyrs. Overall, the Tehran trip was aremarkable success, as participants couldnot keep their excitements hidden, movingfrom one event to another.

Tehran: Shah Abdul Adheem Al-Hasani

Boys visiting unknown Shuhadaa whose bodies were found recently


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Mashhad

Qum being the preparatory grounds, the

participants charged with the spiritual

energy finally started their journey towardsthe essence of the program, ready formore soul elevation. They began their

everlasting heart-shacking journey toMashhad, with the hope of gaining

proximity to Allah (AWJ) by establishing a

special connection with the 8th star ofImamat and Wilayat, the King of Khorasan

Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Redha (AS).

Participants had the honour of visiting the104 year-old grand Ayatullah Shaykh

Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani (HA). They also

had a brief tour of the Haram and visitedthe gravesite of Aba Sult Al-Harawi, the

close companion of Imam Al-Redha (AS).All of them had an opportunity to do

shopping and buy gifts for their parents,relatives, siblings and friends. Many got

the golden chance to spend an all-nighter

at the Haram in search of peace for the

soul and closeness to Allah (AWJ).Furthermore, the participants had the

privilege to be in Mashhad for thecommemoration of the Shahadat of Imam

Jaffer Al-Sadiq (AS).

Neyshabur

After the Ziyarat of Imam Al-Redha (AS),

the participants travelled to Neyshaburvisiting the blessed footprints of Imam

Al-Redha (AS) and collecting some holypure water. They also visited the Shrine of

Bibi Shatitah (SA), the shrine of

Imamzadeh Mahrooq from the progeny ofthe 4th Holy Imam (AS), and Imamzadeh

Ibrahim from the progeny of the 7th HolyImam (AS).

Meeting with Ayatullah Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani (RA)


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Farewell

On Thursday 13th August, participantsheaded back to their respective countries

after spending memorable weeks at aplace they now consider as their home.

Time has passed by like seconds and thememories will forever be cherished as

everyone has made life-long friends,

learned about their faith and explored theirinner selves along this journey.

Participants were tearful separating fromone another and boarded their scheduled

buses, accompanied by the Qum Officestaff and mentors who felt blessed and

honoured to be part of these successfulsummer courses, Alhamdulillah. Soonafter the course, the participants were in

touch with each other through socialmedia recollecting, updating and sharing

with each other the memories of thisunforgettable ascension, on different

events of their local Jamaats.

Briefing at Qadamgah of Imam Redha (AS) in Nishapur


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Shifa Fathima Mugloo from London

No words or phrases can ever give justice to theexperience felt in Iran. Each experience, each momentand each second could have a biography, yet leave you

in frustration for not explaining it well enough.

Sakina Govani from Peterborough

I did not anticipate that this trip alone would bespiritually uplifting from beginning to end and thatnow, forever in my heart, it holds a special place. From

the first steps into the Haram of Lady Fatima Masuma(as) till the last steps exiting the Haram of Imam Redha

(as), I experienced a feeling of enchantment come overme and it was an atmosphere that was undeniably

overwhelming. This incredible journey that I undertookallowed me to expand my Islamic knowledge, buildupon my spirituality and gave me opportunities to build

wonderful relationships. Each day was filled with amemory unique to its own.

Fatimah Hamam from Canada

I cannot organise the words and thoughts in my

mind together to truly articulate how I feel and what Iexperienced during my time in Iran. It is this feeling

that left its mark on me, a sort of spiritual energy that Itook back home to Canada after an eye-opening and

truly holistic experience.

Testimonials from Participants


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Sana Pirmohamed from UK

Three weeks?! They asked us. They said wewould feel homesick They said we would miss ourparents... They said it would be a very long trip... But

they couldn't have been further away from the truth. Ourthree week trip in Iran flew by faster than we could'veever imagined. And in that short time, we had all

become the closest of friends, visited the most beautiful

places, and made the most memorable memories,which would linger in our minds for a lifetime...

Aliakber Dewji from Stanmore

Since I have come back from Iran, I have started

seeing things in a totally different light. I realise that thereare deep lessons to be learnt from millions of things. From

the bird which has a GPS in its brain to the state of millions

of people who live in poverty, homelessness and hunger.But most importantly, I havent only changed the way I seethings but have developed my understanding as well.

From the dress that I choose to wear in the morning, to thelife changing decisions I make. My habits have changed,my prayer has changed and my mind has changed.

Essentially, my life has immensely changed!


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Br. Hassan Rocky from Bilal Muslim Mission Kenya

Another interesting fact is that these youth

seemed to have walked out of the camp better than theyjoined it. Some even confessed to me that they would

henceforth lead a religious life. This camp made thembetter Muslims. I have decided that this culture has to

be introduced in my community. We have camps, yes,but not as well organised as this Bab and Madinatul

Ilm. I want to take it a level higher. This camp really

opened my eyes and if a chance is given to me to bepart of it again I will so happily take it.

Sr. Asma Sultan Ali Rashed from Qum

This three week summer course is a chance totaste but a morsel of these amazing blessings ofknowledge, spirituality and peace. And as amentor, not only is this an experience that one can

journey, but also a chance to serve and observe

others making this amazingjourney of connection to

the Lord Almighty and the Ma'sumeen. In the end, Imust say, that home is where the heart is, and thereis no place else where I feel the peace of home, in

my heart but here, the Holy City of Qum.

Testimonials from Mentors


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Sr. Zahra Zakir Dhanji of Florida

Rarely, if ever, does one get an opportunity tomake a trip a life changing experience filled with

moments of absolute serenity, heart wrenching emotion,

out of the world reflections, and unshakeable resolve. Ifchange is what one is seeking, World Federations

Bab-ul-Ilm and Madinat-ul-Ilm summer course is theanswer. The beauty about this course is that it

encompasses a myriad of activities and agendas suchthat every participant is engaged, and it doesnt take

only the most spiritually inclined to be captivated by this

experience. The organisers put in a lot of time andeffort into making sure the course is well rounded, sothat participants can be spiritually, intellectually, and

socially elevated by the end of it.

Sr. Rabab Kassam of Kenya

This three week experience is not only aboutgaining knowledge and uplifting your spirituality, its

about connecting with yourself, your Imams and yourMaker. Understanding your existence, your beliefs

and accepting change. This three week experience

is about a new beginning.


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Sabira Khimji

Indeed its so much joy to read of your efforts

and achievements in the way of Allah that the heart justthrobs with lots of dua for you and your team andwhoever involved in this noble course, may the Almighty

accept all your humble ways in taking care of theseyoung Mujahideen.

Altaf Rashid

I would like to thank you personally for theincredible and selfless efforts put in by your team for

the Bab/Madinah course that culminated a few daysago. As parents, we have been catching up with Ali over

the last few days and according to his own words, 'it hasbeen the best trip of his life'.

Jeanine Hamam

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you

so much for all your emails over the last three weeks.They have served as a real comfort over this time. Your

poetic and tear jerking words have brought relief and

knowledge that my daughter was truly well taken careof. I thank you for your punctuality and for giving us allthe details of this journey of a lifetime.

Testimonials from Parents


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Acknowledgements:

All praise be to Allah (SWT) for allowing

so many students and mentors to receive

the soul elevating honour of being hosted

by Imam Al-Redha (AS) and his heavenlysister Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (AS).These students have been immersed in

the scholarship of the teachings of theAhlul-Bayt which can only prepare them

for the imminent arrival of the Hujjat of the

Time (AS).

The World Federation would like to thank

the efforts of all the Qum Office Team andRegional Partners to make this courseanother success and we pray for the

continued progress of all towards theSource of Perfection (SWT).

We would also like to extend our sincereappreciation to all the parents and donors

who supported this noble project, as

without your help and on-going support, it

would not have been possible. May theAlmighty reward you abundantly in this

world and hereafter.

The World Federation would be gratefulfor any donations that you are able to

make towards the courses. Your donation

will go towards inspiring a young personinhaling the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt

(AS) and gaining an everlastingexperience InshAllah.

We pray that such experiences are

inspirations for our community youths tobe the shining light towards steadfastnessin the path of the Almighty (SWT).

Praise be to the Almighty Allah the Lord of

Universes.

Islamic Education Team


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Madinah and Bab Report 2015

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