I acknowledge that I wish to participate in The Najaf Retreat (‘the Retreat’) in Iraq from December 2023 to January 2024.

I understand that certain risks are inherent with travel and stay for the duration of the Retreat especially considering the political, social and environmental factors of the destination being travelled to and the surrounding region. I have been advised to read and follow the travel advice of my local country and that provided by the UK government on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq.

I know there may be other unknown and/or unreasonably unforeseeable risks during this retreat, and I fully accept those risks.

I understand that I have been strongly advised not to travel unless I have obtained the appropriate insurance to include but not limited to travel, life, health/medical and property/personal belongings cover for the purposes of any adverse issues or potential losses relating to the entirety of the Retreat. I understand that The Mainstay Foundation will not be responsible for any theft, damage, destruction or loss of my property during the Retreat.

I understand that participation in the Retreat is entirely at my risk and I fully release and discharge The Mainstay Foundation from all liability in connection with my participation in the Retreat.

By checking this box, I acknowledge that the primary purpose and focus of the Najaf Retreat is to introduce participants to various Scholars at the Islamic Seminary in Najaf, Iraq to build on leadership skills for the betterment of themselves, their communities, and act as a bridge to the Islamic Seminary for pursuit of future studies. As such, the retreat should not be viewed as a general visitation trip (ziyarat) to the Holy Shrines.

I understand that I will be responsible for bringing my own medication for allergies or other medical conditions and will ensure that this will be available throughout the duration of the Retreat for my immediate use if required. For any prescription medication I will ensure that the pack contains a pharmacy label, which clearly identifies my name and prescribed medication.

I understand that I must be fit and healthy to safely participate in the Retreat and have where appropriate obtained professional or specialist advice in this regard.

In case of injury or accident during the course, the participant will be taken to a hospital. If their health is determined to be serious, or such that in the discretion of The Mainstay Foundation s/he will be unable to continue the Retreat, the participant will be required to return home.

The Mainstay Foundation reserves the right to remove any participant from the Retreat should their behaviour be deemed inappropriate or if this is deemed necessary by The Mainstay Foundation in its sole discretion. In such an event, the participant will not be entitled to any refund and will be liable to The Mainstay Foundation in respect of any losses incurred as a result of the participant’s conduct or otherwise.

Breach of any of these terms and conditions will lead to action being taken by the organisers. This action can include but not be limited to the following:
- Verbal warning
- Penalisation (imposed at the discretion of the organisers)
- Expulsion from the Retreat

In the case of expulsion from the Retreat, the participant will be solely financially responsible for arranging the return flight and in addition will be required to refund The Mainstay Foundation for the travel expenses incurred in relation to the participant’s attendance at the Retreat.

All participants are expected to follow and abide by the following:

1. Observing the laws of Islam.
2. Observing the laws and customs of Iraq.
3. Observing the rules and regulations of the Retreat.
4. Being willing to learn and improve spiritually, educationally, and personally.
5. Striving to be a model for others including acting responsibly and sensibly at all times.
6. Being patient with the organisers and volunteers and following instructions given by any member of staff.
7. Being attentive during programmes including asking questions and taking notes.
8. Being punctual at all times.
9. Not leaving the premises or any activity without permission.

During the Retreat, we will take photographs and videos. We may use the photographs and video footage on our website and social media for reporting and promotional purposes (‘the Permitted Purposes’). You hereby grant us permission to use the photographs and videos on our website and social media for the Permitted Purposes as well as sharing the same with our regional partners and other affiliates worldwide. You hereby waive any rights of privacy, publicity, compensation, copyright, moral or other rights to those images/video in perpetuity on a worldwide basis.

You agree to The Mainstay Foundation:
- Storing copies of the photographs and videos for as long as necessary to fulfill the Permitted Purposes and storing your contact details on our database in case we need to contact you.
- Sharing the photographs and videos with our regional partners and affiliates who provide charitable purposes.
- You can withdraw your consent given in this statement at any time by writing to us at admin@najafretreat.org. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent.
- Process the photographs, videos and your contact details in accordance with our Privacy Policy (see link below).

By checking this box, you agree to the Privacy Policy.