Updated 3 August 2011
Each year, the Madinah al-Ilm and Bab al-Ilm Summer Courses are organised by The World Federation of KSIMC for boys and girls between 14-24 years of age. The participants spend three weeks in an engaging spiritual, academic and cultural experience. This course has proved to be a life changing experience for many of the youths that have attended over the past 6 years.
Students from all over the world apply to attend the courses, however only a few are chosen to participate each year.
The courses are organised through several hours of planning, budgeting, and preparations, including recruitment of volunteers and teachers, booking of venues, flights etc. Mentors are also recruited and trained prior to leaving for the courses to assist with the students Islamic development.
The students and mentors have been keeping daily diaries of their experiences.
Excerpt from Boys’ Daily Diaries:
“Before visiting Masjid-e-Jamkaran I used to ask myself questions about how it was possible for the 12th Imam (aj) to be in occultation for such a long period, and I also used to hesitate when talking about the belief in Imam Mahdi (aj), however all my doubts and questions so far were answered and now I feel I can talk more confidently about the subject.”
Excerpt from Girls’ Daily Diaries:
“Today was the official start to the most blessed of all months: Mahe Ramadhan. It was also the first Dua e Tawassul the group held in Mashhad, within the beloved shrine of our 8th Imam (as). After fajr time, we all got to rest up until zohr namaz after which we went to our class on the philosophy of Islam. Today we learnt about the beautiful concept of having belief based entirely on the love of Allah (swt). Alhamdullilah, it was a very enlightening concept where a believer can attain this very spiritual stage after understanding the infinite amount of love Allah (swt) has for his creation. With a love and mercy like no other, a believer receives the duties of Allah (swt) as an invitation to be closer to Allah (swt).”
“Dua e Iftitah was then recited that evening at the venue at which we are all staying after which we got another invitation by the Imam to visit his holy shrine. We sat as a group and recited Ziyarat e Ale Yaseen as well as visiting the zari of the Imam (as). We feel at home every time we visit the haram and we thank Allah (swt) for such a noble opportunity. Every day in Mashhad is full of bounties and we enjoy every minute here.”
For further information email islamiceducation@world-federation.org