Updated 26 September 2012
In the summer of 2012, The World Federation once again ran its renowned Madinah & Bab short courses in Iran. The courses attracted 60 participants, boys and girls, from across the world.
One of the key features of the courses, is that they cater for students from the Bilal Muslim Missions of Africa.
This year, sisters Fatuma Hussein and Rehema Nzemeri were lucky enough to be chosen to be part of the group, and participated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Report by Sis Rehema Nzemeri of Bibi Fatima-tuz-Zahra, Jimba Centre
When we first entered the country, I found myself in peace. I was feeling like I was in another world. The way people were in their proper Hijab, no music, and Arabic writings everywhere. Everything was according to the Islamic culture. There was no man to woman interaction. I really admired this state and made a promise to my soul that when I come back to Kenya I shall always not only follow the proper hijab but also advice others especially the girls in the rural to observe their hijab. In Iran the temperature is very high and yet the women put on proper hijab. What reason do we have that prevent us from it? I will also encourage them to keep away from music and instead we should listen to Qaswidas and Quran recitation, which affect our soul positively, and keeps us away from shaitan.
In the evening when we were told to go to the shrine of Hadhrat Maasuma I found myself to be lucky. It was now the time to face the noble lady whose history is what I had only heard about. When I reached there, I felt that all my problems had been solved. I felt tears flowing out of my eyes. I could see so many young children coming in the haram even during the night hours. The disabled and the old were all struggling to reach to her shrine. The picture of the journey of Hadhrat Maasuma’s to Qum and how she died came into my mind. Within a minute, I found myself crying loudly at the shrine. This lady has really changed my life.
I was also happy because we were told that whoever visits Hadhrat Maasuma is like the one who visited Hadhrat Fatema Zahra (AS) and in another hadith Imam Ridhwaa says “ Whoever visits my sister in Qum is like the one who visited me” so I know I had also done the Ziarat of the pure lady (Fatema Zahra).
When I went to mount khidr it was very early in the morning. The mountain took us almost 15 minutes to climb. When we reached up we saw many people already there waiting to see the sun rising. All the time our eyes were on the sky. Finally we saw the sun rising like a huge ball, red & bright. I liked it. I felt like I had started a new life. Something I had not seen in my life. We recited dua Nudba and other duas. That day was a Friday so we went to prepare for Jamaat prayer at Haram. These Holy places made me remember Allah everywhere. It really increased my faith in Islam. When I go back to college I will share my books with my friends.
When I went to see thousands of graves of those who were martyred in Iran when they were trying to protect their religion I felt very desperate. I saw myself to be nothing in this world. I felt I had done nothing to save Islam. From the History, we could see some of them were degree holders but still gave up their life for Islam. What have we Kenyans done to our religion? I wished to be among them. I felt nothing should hinder me from my religion. I am now ready for anything so long as I remain in the truth. I encourage my fellow that jihadun nafs is very important.
My visit to Imam Ridha, I can say this from my heart that it was a shifaa to me. I don’t feel ashamed to confess this. Before I had heard that any person who visits Imam Ridha he is granted three wishes. This ziarat softened my heart. I felt whenever I had problems I should tawassul through these pure people. Surely they give us shifa’at and they pray for us.
After the three weeks course I realized I have changed a lot. I have become more observant towards my ibadat. Earlier I never took my prayers seriously but now after the trip I try not to miss my prayers. Infact I make sure I perform them on time. I feel guilty when I delay my prayers.
I have also made new friends in my home area. Many people feel happy when they are with me and they also respect what I tell them. I now feel that I have a really strong bond with them. I have also realized that whatever I ask from God he answers my prayers faster than before.
I would like to thank all those who made it possible for me visit this Holy City. May Allah (SWT) answer all their prayers.
To register early interest for the courses in 2013 email madinahbabcourse@world-federation.org
To find out more about the courses email madinahbabcourse@world-federation.org
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