About
LEARN AND ASK A SCHOLAR
The Najaf Retreat’s Aims and Objectives:
- Connect with Scholars: An opportunity for young community leaders and professionals from the West to connect with Najaf’s esteemed scholars. Engage directly with the highest-ranking scholars and gain invaluable insights and a wealth of knowledge.
- Gain Insight into the Hawza System: An opportunity for aspiring Hawza students to deeply explore the Hawza system in Najaf, offering them detailed insights that will assist in making informed decisions about their educational future.
- Engage with Youth Perspectives: An opportunity for scholars to directly engage with youth, gaining a deeper understanding of their perspectives and the unique challenges they face across Western communities, thereby enhancing their ability to support these communities effectively.
- Visit Sacred Shrines: Experience spiritual enrichment and historical awe through visits to the sacred shrines and significant heritage sites in Najaf, Karbala, Kathmiya, and Samarra.
- Explore Islamic Heritage: A profound opportunity for young leaders to immerse themselves in Iraq’s rich Islamic heritage, connecting personally with the spiritual and historical dimensions of the Islamic Seminary.
Our Time In Najaf
COVERAGE FROM PAST RETREATS
FAQs
GREAT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Timetable, Behaviour & Attitude, Facilities, etc.
01. TIMETABLE
During the two-week retreat, the majority of the time will be spent in the holy city of Najaf. There will also be short trips (1-2 nights) to Karbala, Khathmiya and Samarra. The final itinerary will be confirmed a few weeks prior to the start of the retreat, and you will be provided with a detailed timetable on arrival.
The retreat will be filled with lectures, discussions, meetings with high-ranking scholars, and visits to holy shrines and other major heritage sites.
The retreat predominantly will be in Arabic, but will be translated in English.
A typical day will start at around 8am with breakfast and conclude around 9pm with dinner. You will be expected to follow the day to day schedule. Time will be allocated for shopping and ziyarah. Please note we expect you to be punctual and ready every morning.
Specific times for ziyarah have been allocated during the trip.
02. BEHAVIOR & ATTITUDE
- Observing the laws of Islam
- Observing the laws and customs of Iraq
- Observing the rules and regulations of the retreat
- Being eager and willing to learn and improve spiritually, educationally, and personally
- Striving to be a role model for others
- Being cordial, patient, and respectful with the organisers and supervisors
- Taking a keen part in all programmes, including asking questions and taking notes
- Being punctual at all times
- Representing yourself, your family, community, and organizers in the best way possible
- Not leaving the premises or any activity without permission.
You must observe Islamic attire, maintaining modesty and respect towards the customs of the holy cities we are visiting. Full dress code guidelines will be provided.
Yes, the Terms and Conditions of the retreat form part of your application. Please note that you cannot apply for the retreat without formally accepting to abide by these. In addition, the accommodation has its own rules; you will be briefed on these upon arrival. These rules must also be adhered to. The Najaf Hawza’s own specific traditions and culture must be respected as well.
03. FACILITIES
While in Najaf, you will be staying in a purpose-built accommodation a short driving distance from the Shrine. During trips to the other Holy cities, you will be staying at various hotels. In all the accommodations throughout the trip, boys and girls will be segregated.
Western toilets will be available in the accommodations.
Prepare enough clothes for the duration of the trip as washing facilities will not be readily available.
It is your responsibility to look after all your belongings. We recommend that you do not bring valuable items with you. Please note that the organisers will not be held responsible for any items that are lost or stolen.
The food will be provided by the organisers throughout the trip and will generally be Iraqi cuisine. Please inform organisers of any dietary requirements at the time of applying.
Yes – bottled water will be provided throughout the trip.
The organising team will look after you and can arrange for you to see a doctor if necessary. You must bring your own personal medication with you. We recommend that you take out travel and health insurance for the duration of the trip.