Updated 8 October 2013

Applying for the Madinah and Bab course this year was the best decision of my life. It has now been a month since I returned from Iran but every day I think about those treasured and valued 18 days that I spent with my fellow participants and mentors.

The course was better than I imagined. I learnt excellent content that built my knowledge, reinforced my faith and led to a passion for reading Islamic books. It was intense but purpose driven. In addition, all the mentors were knowledgeable, fun and most importantly, caring.

One thing that impressed me during the course was the quick responses to the questions that we would pose to the great scholars. They would answer with so many fine points regarding the question with the want to teach and assure that we have understood.

I made so many loving friends and memories that will last forever InshAllah. Though I had been to Iran twice before, I believe this ziyarat was the best I ever did. Leaving the holy cities of Qum and Mashhad were the most difficult times. I will never be able to thank the organisers and mentors enough for their untiring efforts to make sure we were comfortable. May Allah grant all Muslims the chance of visiting the shrines through this course.

By Huma Fatima Ali, Kampala Jamaat