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16 April 2024 / 7. Shawal 1445
The Peace of Home, testimonial by Asma Sultan Ali Rashed
Entering into the Holy City of Qum and feeling a blast of spirituality and peace.
Home-coming and contentment.
Waking up to the melody of the beautiful Munajaat of Imam Ali (a.s.) followed by the Adhaan of Fajr.
Witnessing a glorious sunrise while listening to Dua e Ahad.
Praying Salaat in Jam'ah.
Witnessing the gorgeous and peaceful gardens of Jamia-tuz Zahra as night softly falls and moonlight brightens the night around.
Listening to the heart wrenching notes of the Dua for the safety of Imam Zaman (AFS) numerous times in the day and falling asleep by the lullaby of the verses of the Qur'an…
These are but a few of the blessings that wait in the Holy City of Lady Fatima Al-Masuma (AS).
After a long day, a hard week, with a mind and heart that has become tired of this world, one of the best feelings was to visit the Haram of Lady Masuma (AS). As my gaze fell on the majestic golden dome and my eyes took in her Shrine, all my anxiety’s melted away. A bone deep and heartfelt peace settled over me, and now that I was refreshed and ready to tackle this world, I took my leave from the Holy Shrine.
Masjid Jamkaran
We get so caught up in our day to day lives that we don't have the time to build the connection that brings true peace and contentment into our lives; the connection to our Lord and to our guides, our spiritual parents, the Ma'sumeen (AS). When in the city of Qum and in the city of Mashhad, the land of the benevolent and kind eight star of Imamate, I felt the majesty and awe of his amazing personality and his love and kindness to us. It was an excellent opportunity to build a relationship which I can keep alive no matter where in the world I may be, in every hardship, in every pain and sorrow a well as in times of laughter and happiness.
There are many activities I enjoyed during the trip, to name but a few:
Witnessing the majestic view from atop the Mount of Khidr
Attending the spiritual, social and political congregation of Jum'ah,
Walking inside the amazing cave of Ali Sadr in Hamedan where one experiences the wonders of creation,
Getting a heart wrenching glimpse into the prison of Savak in Tehran, into the tortures the martyrs of Islam faced during the time of the Shah in order to defend Islam,
Paying our respects to the leader of the Islamic Revolution, understanding the amazing personality and how he emerged victorious despite all odds,
Visiting the Garden of Martyrs and getting an insight into what inspired them on the journey that ended in their ultimate sacrifice and connection to Him,
Spending the precious twilight mornings reflecting on various aspects of our lives and our spiritual connections,
The three week summer course is a chance to taste but a morsel of the amazing blessings of knowledge, spirituality and peace. As a mentor, not only was the journey a life changing experience, but also a chance to serve others making the amazing journey towards connecting to the Lord Almighty and the Ma'sumeen (AS).
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, in the Holy City of Qum.
New Zareeh of Imamayn al Askareyayn
Written by: Asma Sultan Ali Rashed
Related News
The Madinah and Bab al-Ilm Iran programme marked its 14th consecutive anniversary in the summer of 2016, with this being the first time that I decided to embark upon the course following my university education. This was also the first ever year in the programme that participants were bestowed the honour of being guests in the holy city of Qom for the birth anniversary of Sayeda Masouma (sa), as well as being in Mashhad for the corresponding celebrations for Imam Ridha (as).
In the name of Allah (SWT), the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Most people in their lives are lucky enough to have gone to ziyaraat, whether it's to Iran or to Iraq, whether it's with a group or not. But to enhance the experience, to give you memories that you will look fondly back on years from now, to have a quintessential, unforgettable journey - there is no better way, than to embark on this sacred trip.
