18th Short Vacation Course in Iran from Sun 11 July to Tue 10 August 2010.
Al-Asr offer a chance of a life time to visit holy mausoleums in cities across
Iran and Iraq, including the shrines of Imam Ali, Imam Hussain,
Imam Musa Kadhim, Imam Ali Raza, Imam Mohammad Taqi, Imam Ali Naqi and Imam Hassan Askari (A.S). The tour is rich in
Islamic education and is designed to highlight the practical elements
of Islam to the Muslim youth in Western countries.
This affordable package cost just £1,650
in 2009 for UK, USA and Canadian participants (price for 2010
to be confirmed). The trip includes
return flight from London Heathrow to Tehran, food, accommodation and
local flights and travel. (Participants from outside UK should make their
own travel arrangements to meet the Al-Asr group in London Heathrow).
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 18th. Over 1,000 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.