29 June 2026 / 13. Muharram 1448
No words or phrases can ever give justice to the experience felt in Iran. Each experience, each moment and each second deserves a written biography, while still leaving you in frustration for not explaining it well enough. As I left Iran with my head rested against the plane’s window, all the memories and experiences flash past my eyes. Leaving the simplest of experiences, from breathing the air of this country to walking on its roads agonizing to leave. Remembering the uncontrollable tears that fell from seeing Imam Redha (as), the awe felt in Bibi Masuma-e-Qum’s Haram and feeling the serenity and closeness in Masjid Jamkaran made leaving even harder.
This could have been an experience of just entering and leaving the shrine, however the lectures, twilight programmes and Q&A sessions brought these personalities closer to home. These personalities that once felt a distance away suddenly seemed so close. As you talked to them you could almost feel their presence listening to you. This is an experience that cannot be described, but only felt! During these three weeks I realised how versatile Islam is, that it truly is not just a religion, but a way of life. The simplest of activities like swimming had Islamic philosophy behind it as we were enlightened by Shaykh Shomali. Seeing the miracles that Prophetic medicine can do to even cancer patients or those paralysed left us in surprise and amazement. Everything is natural from the Prophet (SA) and Imams (AS) through the wisdom of Allah (SWT). Being given the opportunity to go to Hamadan, we could see the wonders of Allah’s creation in one of the rare water caves. Shaykh Nadir helped us understand how every creation of Allah (SWT) has a purpose and meaning behind it. From the architectural structure of a cave to the smallest insect on the floor - this is Allah’s creation, and this is His magnificence! It is an experience that cannot be described, but only felt.
On boarding the plane my heart was torn between the excitement of starting a change of life and leaving the holy cities of Qum and Mashhad. On arrival to our home countries, even though we could feel the physical distance from these personalities, we somewhat felt a new closeness to them like they are with us. We could talk to them whenever and wherever we want. Just hearing their blessed names or seeing their holy shrines bring tears to your eyes in yearning to be there again. Indeed, this is an experience that cannot be described, but only felt.
Written by: Shifa Fathima Mugloo from London
Updated 11 December 2013
The World Federation has organised a workshop for single males and females aged 18 and over on spouse selection.
“hmm, there was so much I took away from this workshop, the interaction, the real life examples, the real life stories, the small break out groups, the discussions etc, wish we had more time, it is definitely not what I had expected and will really help m going forward” Orlando, November 2013
The Curriculum Development team of the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) has recently released the Draft Curriculum Framework for Madrasah which was produced after a lengthy process of consensus and consultation with religious scholars, educationalists and madrasah teachers. A detailed review of the major curricula currently used by madaris globally was also carried out. A copy of the Framework document is being sent to teachers in each Madrasah in every region.
