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Days 7 & 8 - Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July 2008 |
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The Madinah students visit Isfahan and pay respects at the shrine of Allamah Majlisi. They spend the evening by the river in discussions. On Sunday they visit Naqshejahan Square in central Isfahan. The Bab students enter Qum.
Madinah quotes:
Shabistan Peera from Arusha Jamaat:
"We visited three mosques and each mosques had its own unique beauty and architecture that made me realize how much we had to thank The Almighty (SWT) for the abilities He has given us to be able to construct such amazing structures. These places also had an amazing atmosphere of peace and tranquility."
Syed Uzair Ahmed of Regina, Canada had the following to share:
"The visit to Naqshajahan Square was the highlight of the trip to Isfahan. The beautiful square does indeed represent a map of the world. We were briefed regarding the significance of the layout of the square; with the palace on one side representing worldly affairs, the shops and the gardens representing worldly pleasures, and the three mosques representing the ultimate goal - the Hereafter - which one must reach after passing through the world and fighting off its temptations."
Sukaina Bandali, Birmingham, UK:
"After spending a day in Isfahan, I can truly see that it does contain half of the wonders of the world, however I feel that Qum has a special spirituality and atmosphere which can never be mirrored."
Bab quotes:
Sumaira Ahmed from Canada when laying her eyes on the Jamia howza for the first time:
"Its beautiful, we are so lucky to be here!"
Mehjabeen Somji, Toronto, Canada:
"As we all explored the beauty of the Jamiya, we also agreed upon the feeling of peace and tranquility that had hit us from such an environment. The thought of being called by Imam Reza (a.s), sounded unrealistic at first, yet this now makes sense and gives me goose bumps. I feel lucky and extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience the wonders we are about to face."
Bilal Sheikh from Birmingham, UK:
"As our coach approached the Haram of Bibi Ma'suma ['a], the golden dome captured my heart ... Once entering the Haram, just the sight of the Zaree reinforced the strength of my faith in the Ahl al-Bayt. We were dropped off near the main gate of the Haram and we all gathered at the entrance to the sanctuary. As one of us was reciting the Idhn al-Dukhool aloud, in my heart I beseeched Bibi (as) to grant me permission to enter into her sacred presence. No words can express the sheer tranquillity that I experienced upon arrival to the Shrine."
Following the Ziyarah, in order to wind down for the day, the group headed for a Fun Fair. Brother Hassan-Ali Hussein from Toronto, Canada, had the following to say:
"After our first visit to the Haram, the mentors and organizers decided to treat us campers by going as a group to the local Iranian fun fair. Honestly, it was a blast!" |
