Updated 16 February 2010

Sister Ummi Wando of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK), was one of the lucky participants of The World Federation's Summer Course in 2009: Madinah al-Ilm.
 
Part of the Madinah al-Ilm ethos is to bring together young Shias from across the world so that they can meet and learn from one another and appreciate different cultures and backgrounds.
 
Here Ummi gives her thoughts on the experience:
 

HOLY CITY OF QUM
 
The scene over the city of Qum was spectacular.  The beautiful scene of being woken up for Fajr prayer by the melodious recitation of the holy Quran and Adhan,  watching the sun rise on the mountain tops in the distance, listening to the glorious Dua –a –Ahad, the shadow dancing over the beautiful gardens below as we sat on the balcony in the evenings overlooking a myriad of fountains, and finally we had Sura –Waqia rocking us to sleep at night. All these beautiful words are not enough to describe Jami-a-al Zahra which became our home in the city of Qum. It was not far from a piece of heaven on earth, a different kind of living in the spiritual home of Jami-a-al Zahra in Qum.

  
 
THE SHRINE OF LADY FATIMAH MASUMAH
 
This is the place that life in Qum revolves around. It is the focal point of the life in the holy city. Every year thousands of pilgrims come from all over the world to pay homage and respect to this holy lady, and due to her patronage, Qum has grown to become the world centre for Islamic learning.
 
We had the chance of going around the whole Haram under the assistance of Sheikh Nadir Jaffer who is the manager of The World Federation Qum Office.
 
We had the chance to visit the graves of luminaries buried in the holy shrine and recited Sura Fatiha for the departed souls.
 
Personally I was amazed by the feeling one gets once in the Haram. I felt at peace within myself, my burden was off-loaded from my shoulders and could not help tears running down my cheeks at the thought of how much the Bibi tried to make it to her brother but could not do so.
 
I felt like as if I was gifted by being at her shrine. I felt at home, whenever I needed help or simple inspiration; a visit to this holy shrine answered all my problems. The recitation of the Juma prayer, Fajr namaz, as well as Dua Kumayl couldn’t be done at a better place than here; it made me content as well as filled with joy at the sight of thousands of Shias, irrespective of the race, status or even education background, all gathered together and glorying Allah’s name and that of the Ahlul Bayt. I can never ask for a better chance in life.
 
The other place we visited was Bayt al-Nur .This is the house in Qum where Lady Fatima Masuma stayed for 17 days on her way to visit her brother Imam Ridha (a.s). It was also in this house where she fell ill and passed away.
 
We had the chance to pray 2 rakaat namaz at the same spot where the lady prayed. I thank Allah for this opportunity in my life that helped uplift my spirituality.
 
We visited Ayatullah Marashi’s library and we were told all about the library by Sheikh Nadir Jaffer. It was after this visit that my perspective of the trip changed after being told that Ayatullah Marashi came to Qum to perform ziyarat for his father and chose to stay there. It made me realize that I was also able to do the same for my parents on this trip, alhamdulillah.
 
Then there was the mountain of Khizr .We had the chance to visit this mountain where it is believed Prophet (Khizr A.S) performed his prayers. We were lucky to be here on Friday, where we recited Dua e Nudba on top of the hill.

 
 
The other place which left a mark in my life was Imam Khomeini’s house in Qum. The simplicity of his house left me dumb founded. Even when in power Imam Khomeini’s life did not change but rather remained simple contrary to what we see nowadays where richness, pomp and leisure seem to rule peoples’ life.
 
We had the opportunity in Qum to meet with great scholars like Sayyid Muhsin Hashimi who is the chairman of Q & A board of the office of Ayatullah Sistani. He was able answer some of our burning questions.
 

We also had the chance to meet with Mussayibi, a 14 year old boy who has memorized the Holy Quran and Nahjul Balagha. Sheikh Shujaa also graced our visit by being there during the Wiladat of Imam Husain (AS).
 
TEHRAN
 
We headed to Tehran University for our Jum’a prayers. It was amazing to see thousands of Muslims all braving the scorching sun for prayers.
 
We visited the Behishte Zahra (s.a), a graveyard for all the martyrs of Islam during the Iranian revolution under the ruthless Shah. We got to hear how much Muslims male and female, young and old took it upon themselves to fight for the sake of Islam, the one we enjoy today. The most moving story of all was that of Hussan Fehmida, a 13 year old who also took part in the fight and died.
 
Then we visited the prison of Savak.  This is where some Muslims were caught and tortured. We got goose bumps at the sight of the torture given to the people. From being beaten up, to being dragged in cold conditions, being hanged or even shot, but still did not make them change their faiths. A lesson learned from this trip was that we should always stand with the truth no matter what the consequences.
 
HAMEDAN TRIP
 
If anyone has doubts about Allah’s creations, then Hamedan is the place to visit. The Ganjnameh Scriptures & Water falls is a very beautiful and stress relieving place. The Alisadr Cave was the best of all. We had the chance to go into it via boats and in the cave were Allah’s signs and wonders.
 
We went back to Qum for our farewell Ziyarat as well as our closing ceremony. We all shed tears upon realization of our departure from this holy place. I pray that Allah grants me another chance to visit this place again in my life.
 
MASHAD
 
We were lucky to be in Mashad on the 15th night of Shaaban, one of the most blessed days in the calendar.
 
We spent the whole night in A’amals together with our mentors. It was the most beautiful night spent in my life. I pray that all our prayers are answered and Allah showers us with his blessing both here and in the hereafter.
 
In conclusion I would like to extends my thanks to all those who made this trip a success for me including The  World Federation, Bilal Muslim Mission, my family and friends.  I pray to Allah that we all receive our books in our right hands on the Day of Judgement.
 
The trip to Iran has planted in me the seed of spirituality and built the thirst of Islamic knowledge which I pray I am able to quench one day Inshallah.
 
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