Background

The Short Vacation Course (SVC) is a summer course for youth to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It was started with the objective of giving our youth a more suitable environment to learn their religion. Our experience has shown that living in a decaying society like the west, it is difficult to teach the truths and moral values of Islam. Hence the Al-Asr Organization with the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran came up with the simple idea of taking our children to a more healthy and Islamic environment and let them learn about their religion there.

By the grace of Allah, this trip has proven to be immensely successful. Since 1993 the SVC has been held annually and this year will be the . Over  youth have participated from United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, France, Canada and United States. Not only do the youth learn about Islam, they feel it and they live it. Many hearts are humbled at the tomb of Imam Ali Reza (a), many are moved at the shrine of Hazrat Masuma (a), many a tear falls at the cemetery of martyrs in Tehran.

Other than the classes which are held everyday, and the Ziarats and the sightseeing, it gives our youth the opportunity to meet Muslim friends from around the world. These friendships and memories, as we have witnessed, last a lifetime.

Accommodations, food, transportation (within Iran) are taken care of by the Al-Asr Organization. The group visits Mashad, Tehran and Qum for sure, then depending on the arrangement, it may also be possible to visit Isfahan and Shiraz or northern Iran near the Caspian Sea.

Hujjatul Islam Maulana Sabzwary who is the head of the Al-Asr organization in London is in charge of this caravan. He stays with the group from start to finish, taking care of all the participants. During the course an Iranian convoy accompanies the group. The group is also accompanied by a nurse for medical attention.

The SVC is limited to  participants and will last from  to  . The registration will take place on a first come first serve basis.