Madinah Bab al-Ilm 2015 - World Federation · PDF fileMadinah & Bab al-Ilm 2015. Contents 1....

SHORT SUMMER COURSES IN IRAN - ANNUAL REPORT

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SHORT SUMMER COURSES IN IRAN - ANNUAL REPORT

Madinah & Bab al-Ilm 2015

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. Mash’had

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 The World Federation calendar as youths from various parts of the globe gather together in 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 academic scholarship with an experience of cultural relevance of Islam in the modern age along 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 linguisticbackgrounds. The course planning began almost 6 months prior to the landing of the participants in Iran and was backed up by the constant and selfless administrative and logistical support of the Islamic Education 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 Husain facilitated the sessions while brother Imran Damani and sister Naajiya Shabbar contributed 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 brothers resided 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, participants engaged in many activities within the city where they visited historical, natural and pilgrimage 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) = 46Madinah al-Ilm participants (ages 18-24) = 23Mentors = 13

Shaykh Nadir JafferSr. Jermein Abu ShahbaSr. Laila HabibBr. Mahdi FadaeeSayyid Shabbar Haidar ShahBr. Amin AfsharBr. Muhammad Mahdi MusayyebiBr. Muhammad Ishaq NooriSr. Hawra HajiyanBr. Qasim Gulam HusainBr. Hassan RockyBr. Husein AbdallahBr. Mustafa MeraliBr. Shabbarali KhimjiBr. Yassir Rajabali AlidinaSr. Asma Sultan Ali RashedSr. Neelam VakilSr. Zahra DhanjiSr. Rabab KassamSr. Sohaila Yusuf IsmailSr. Sabira Rizwan ManjiSr. Masuma Fazel

Head of Madinah/Bab CourseProject ManagerLogistics CoordinatorLogistics CoordinatorQum office volunteerQum office volunteerQum office volunteerQum office volunteerQum office volunteerMentor TrainerMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentorMentor

MADINAH AND BAB TEAM

Meet The Team

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AFEDCoEJBosniaDubaiNASIMCOTotal

Boys37/4418

TOTAL16222111869

Girls11614628

Boys13/239

Girls1611514

Madinah al-Ilm Bab al-Ilm

Madinah Boys

Madinah Girls

Bab Boys

Bab Girls

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28 14

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Gender Allocation of Participants

The Arrival

On the 22nd July, the first group ofparticipants arrived and all were received at the airport by Qum Office staffmembers. The long flight and theovernight lag had not dampened the spirits of the participants as their faces lit up in excitement for a lifetime journey, which may change their lives forever!

The participants settled into theirresidences and rested after their arrivals. An opening ceremony was held on the 23rd of July at a spacious auditorium; the

organisers in Qum warmly welcomed the participants and described the core philosophy and purpose of such courses and explained the concept of Ziyarat followed by a briefing about the goals and expectations of the course and itsmanagement; also the participants received 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-Mas’uma (SA) and Maghribain prayers. Tears and emotions could easily be seen on the faces of the youths.

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Course Outline

The 3-weeks summer course wasorganised in a way to facilitate anencompassing personality development keeping Islamic values and principles at its core while maintaining resemblance with the Hawza style of living. The programs were fully planned and scheduled, while a scope of flexibility was built in, to avoid rigidity and maintain buffer for adaptability and change. In Qum, participants were encouraged to steadily settle into the schedule, the same pattern was extended to 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 the participants and aimed towards furthering an academic study of Islam through its primary sources - the Qur’an and the Ahl

al-Bayt (AS). It consisted of the morning program beginning with Fajr Salaat followed by occasional twilight programs led by different scholars where reflective sessions were conducted in outdoor locations. Sometimes, participants began their typical day with Fajr prayers at the Haram of Sayyida Fatima al-Ma’suma (SA). The zeal and passion of the Ziyarat were evident in the morning despite of the busy and hectic long summer days; they were all awake and ready to gain and charge their spirituality by Salaat al-Layl and that too in the Haram of Sayyida Ma’suma (SA).

The daily classes commenced after the breakfast at 10 a.m. English-speaking scholars would dedicate instructional time to the participants every day and discuss issues on topics such as Aqaed, Akhlaq, the purpose of life and the reality of the Hereafter, Knowing one-self, Towheed, Qur’anic 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 formal periods running daily.

Participants benefitted from a great number of learning opportunities beyond

the classroom as well as engaging in informal discussions with teachers outside the session with opportunities forinteraction and Q&A. They also participated in 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 Qur’anic Principles

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Sayyid Mahmood KavianiSayyid Ali Aqib JafariSh. Muhammad Ali ShomaliSh. Hakim IlahiSh. Muhammad KhalfanBr. Safiullah KhanBr. Ali Azim ShiraziBr. Nadir JafferBr. Muhammad Mahdi MusayyebiBr. Imran Damani

Br. Amin Shaeri AfsharBr. Ali HemaniBr. Miqdad RajabaliBr. Javad ShomaliSis. Razia Batool NajafiSis. Batool ArastuSis. Naajiya Shabbar ShahSis. 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 of performing Ziyarats of the progeny of the

Imams (AS) buried in Qum, visiting the Jamkaran Mosque, meetings with high-status scholars, informal gatherings in 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 Babwayh’s 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 Ma’suma (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 Mar’ashi 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 Mar’ashi 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 trip was 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, it was worth travelling and exploring the beauty of the creation of Allah (AWJ). Participants visited Avicenna, the National Museum of Hamadan, GanjnamehScriptures, rode on cable-cars to the top of the mountain, enjoyed waterfalls and visited Abbas Abad. After staying a night in luxurious villas of Hamadan, participants headed towards one of the world’s

greatest water caves ‘Ali Sadr Cave’ where they boated and enjoyed the beauty of this magnificent creation of Allah (SWT). We had no words to say but Subhan’Allah, 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 of Qum, the participants began setting their minds and spirits towards preparing for the climax of the whole course. At the

ceremony, the participants were also invited to share their thoughts and feelings about the camp and studentrepresentatives spoke about theirexperiences on behalf of all participants.

Natural History Museum in Hamadan

Qum: Closing ceremony

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Tehran

The capital of the Islamic Republic was our last destination before flying toMashhad. The day consisted ofmemorable events; from visiting the shrine of Imam Khomeini (RA), graves of Martyrs and victims of terrorist attacks buried at Behishte Zahra cemetery (Paradise of Sayyida Zahra (AS) to the prison of

Savak. Finally to soothe the nerves, the participants performed the Ziyarat of the Grand Sayyid - Abdul Adheem al-Hasani (RA) and others from the progeny of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). They also visited Kahf Shuhada and were told miraculous stories of Martyrs. Overall, the Tehran trip was a remarkable success, as participants could not keep their excitements hidden, moving from 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 towards the essence of the program, ready for more soul elevation. They began their everlasting heart-shacking journey to Mashhad, with the hope of gainingproximity to Allah (AWJ) by establishing a special connection with the 8th star of Imamat and Wilayat, the King of Khorasan Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Redha (AS).

Participants had the honour of visiting the 104 year-old grand Ayatullah Shaykh Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani (HA). They also had a brief tour of the Haram and visited the 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 Neyshabur visiting the blessed footprints of Imam Al-Redha (AS) and collecting some holy pure water. They also visited the Shrine of Bibi Shatitah (SA), the shrine ofImamzadeh Mahrooq from the progeny of the 4th Holy Imam (AS), and Imamzadeh Ibrahim from the progeny of the 7th Holy Imam (AS).

Meeting with Ayatullah Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani (RA)

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Farewell

On Thursday 13th August, participants headed back to their respective countries after spending memorable weeks at a place they now consider as their home. Time has passed by like seconds and the memories will forever be cherished as everyone has made life-long friends, learned about their faith and explored their inner selves along this journey.Participants were tearful separating from one another and boarded their scheduled

buses, accompanied by the Qum Office staff and mentors who felt blessed and honoured to be part of these successful summer courses, Alhamdulillah. Soon after the course, the participants were in touch with each other through social media recollecting, updating and sharing with each other the memories of this unforgettable 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 the experience felt in Iran. Each experience, each moment and 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 be spiritually uplifting from beginning to end and that now, 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 over me and it was an atmosphere that was undeniably overwhelming. This incredible journey that I undertook allowed me to expand my Islamic knowledge, build upon my spirituality and gave me opportunities to build wonderful relationships. Each day was filled with a memory 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 I experienced during my time in Iran. It is this feeling that left its mark on me, a sort of spiritual energy that I took 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 we would feel homesick… They said we would miss our parents... They said it would be a very long trip... But they couldn't have been further away from the truth. Our three week trip in Iran flew by faster than we could've ever 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 there are 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 haven’t only changed the way I see things but have developed my understanding as well. From the dress that I choose to wear in the morning, to the life 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 they joined it. Some even confessed to me that they would henceforth lead a religious life. This camp made them better 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 be part of it again I will so happily take it.

Sr. Asma Sultan Ali Rashed from Qum

This three week summer course is a chance to taste but a morsel of these amazing blessings of knowledge, spirituality and peace. And as a mentor, not only is this an experience that one can journey, but also a chance to serve and observe others making this amazing journey of connection to the Lord Almighty and the Ma'sumeen. In the end, I must say, that home is where the heart is, and there is 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 to make a trip a life changing experience filled withmoments of absolute serenity, heart wrenching emotion, out of the world reflections, and unshakeable resolve. If change is what one is seeking, World Federation’s Bab-ul-Ilm and Madinat-ul-Ilm summer course is the answer. The beauty about this course is that itencompasses a myriad of activities and agendas such that every participant is engaged, and it doesn’t take only the most spiritually inclined to be captivated by this experience. The organisers put in a lot of time and effort into making sure the course is well rounded, so that 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 about gaining knowledge and uplifting your spirituality, it’s about connecting with yourself, your Imams and your Maker. Understanding your existence, your beliefs and accepting change. This three week experience is about a new beginning.

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Sabira Khimji

Indeed it’s so much joy to read of your efforts and achievements in the way of Allah that the heart just throbs 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 these young 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 days ago. As parents, we have been catching up with Ali over the last few days and according to his own words, 'it has been 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 care of. I thank you for your punctuality and for giving us all the 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 heavenly sister Sayyida Fatima Al-Ma’suma (AS). These students have been immersed in the scholarship of the teachings of the Ahlul-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 and Regional Partners to make this course another success and we pray for the continued progress of all towards the Source of Perfection (SWT). We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation 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 the Almighty reward you abundantly in this world and hereafter. The World Federation would be grateful for any donations that you are able to make towards the courses. Your donation will go towards inspiring a young person inhaling the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS) and gaining an everlastingexperience InshAllah. We pray that such experiences are inspirations for our community youths to be the shining light towards steadfastness in the path of the Almighty (SWT). Praise be to the Almighty Allah the Lord of Universes. Islamic Education Team

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