Updated 23 October 2013
Describing an experience as being life-changing is quite cliché, but the experience I had of going to Iran with The World Federation truly has changed my life. Being invited by Bibi Masuma Qum and Imam Ridha to visit them is in itself an honour, but being able to go with girls of your own age is a whole new experience.
The different activities that were planned for us were absolutely phenomenal, and it was because of how amazing each day was that we used to wake up every morning full of excitement and eagerness to see what the new day had in store for us. The daily lectures we received about the history of these infallible people were an excellent way to prepare us spiritually to visit them and made our visitations even more meaningful, allowing me to really connect and feel their presence whilst at the Harams.
It was a deeply moving experience to visit Masjid Jamkaran, and it was especially due to the much needed and eye-opening lectures on Imam Mahdi (aj) we received that the overwhelming presence of the 12th Imam was felt from the moment we stepped into the Masjid and pledged our allegiance to him. This feeling is one I can never forget.
The multiple question and answer sessions we had with various lecturers have answered all of the questions on religion I previously had, and this together with the valuable life lessons we learnt from the lectures have strengthened my faith and love for the Ahlul Bayt, and changed my perspectives on life.
The whole experience provided me with the spiritual boost I needed and has inspired me to lead a life even more devoted to our Creator and that the struggle to remain on the right path and to InshAllah be in the army of the 12th Imam should be our unequivocal pursuit. By the end of the trip, we all felt our fellow mentees and mentors were like a family, and it was heart-breaking to leave them all, and of course leaving Bibi Masuma Qum and Imam Ridha. Because of the exceptional and unforgettable experience we had, InshAllah I am hoping to return back to the Jamiah Al-Zahra next summer to study the beautiful language of Farsi.
I cannot stress how wonderful and inspiring this trip was for me, and the genuine love for Bibi Masuma Qum and Imam Ridha it instilled in me is priceless. I would thoroughly recommend this once in a lifetime opportunity to everyone. If the saying ‘home is where your heart lies’ is true, then Iran is truly without question, my new home.
By Zainab Sajan, Birmingham Jamaat