Tuesday 27th August, 2013
After visiting 2 holy shrines, we visited the shrine of Bibi Shatita. She was highly respected highly by the 7th Imam, and in fact her funeral prayers were led by him.
The trip to Iran was a unique experience of its own, a journey unlike any other. It was a journey that left me in awe as I visited Bibi Masuma (AS), prayed under the stars in Jamkaran, sat by the wall of Imam Ar-Redha (AS), and slept in the Jamia, the House of Bibi Masuma (AS). I remember sitting in the bus, tears flowing from my eyes as we watched the Haram of our 8th Imam pass by us one last time. I knew from that moment that I would forever miss the feeling of peace I felt in the holy cities of Mashhad and Qum. I may never again see the beautiful dome of the Haram shining under the sun, or the minarets of Jamkaran glowing against the clear sky. I knew that these were unique experiences, and that this trip was a journey of a lifetime.
As I made my way through this journey, I developed a connection with not only the holy personalities in Iran, but with all the members of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS). This connection was enhanced by the many mind-blowing lectures and inspiring twilight sessions we had. Words cannot describe the sensation I felt as I stood beside the Shuhada on Mount Khidr and realised how alive they are, how they never die, and how their status is one of a kind. We were blessed to be given the opportunity to benefit from a variety of classes and seminars as well where we discussed topics such as the importance of wakefulness, the existence of God, and the various forms of Prophetic Medicine. These discussions gave me the chance to ask questions and further enhance my understanding of Islamic concepts.
As I turned to look out the window of the bus and saw the minaret of the Haram for the last time, I knew that although I may not be able to relive these experiences, I would definitely learn from them. As Sheikh Nadir would mention, ‘Go and don’t come back again’. I can truly say that this journey has given me the opportunities to go as one person, and come back as an improved individual. After all, this trip was a journey of a lifetime!
Written by : By Fatema Khimji from Tanzania
Tuesday 27th August, 2013
After visiting 2 holy shrines, we visited the shrine of Bibi Shatita. She was highly respected highly by the 7th Imam, and in fact her funeral prayers were led by him.
The Madressa Centre of Excellence regularly holds teacher training programs globally and these programs help ensure that the teachers who will be educating the children of our community are trained to the highest level.
Day Seven:
Its 11am here now and the temperature is at 40°. I have had a 5 hour sleep which should be good enough to get me going for what is my D Day today.
I come out of the tent and see people all dressed in white, some performing their wudhoo whilst some praying despite the intense heat. The Adhaan is then heard and everyone rushes to their tents to perform their prayers. Thereafter the whole place goes quiet.