Qum hawza education

[optikalfilter]

asalaam alaikum,

I would appreciate it if someone can tell me more about the education system in Qom especially for westerners.

I'm trying to put together some material and would appreciate input from people that have attended Qom.

I'm looking for things like the different levels that can be achieved, the time it takes for each level, the attitude of the teachers and students, the required classes and what is the exact process...

wa'salaam

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Wa Laikumus Salaam Wal Ikram :)

I just got a bunch of new info about the different madares in Qum...Insha-Allah I'll post this stuff tomorrow. I had a discussion with Sayed Muhammed Rizvi about this very topic today and it seems like it would benefit us all to post it here. Stay tuned!

But very briefly the mentality of a hauza student is different than that of a university student for a number of reasons. Among them are the fact that being a religious STUDENT not a scholar is what true scholars strive for. Nor are they going to hauza so that they can pursue certain financial goals, not if they are true ulema anyway. And the last thing I'll say here is that they are very focused on their goals.

My parents are calling me for dinner, but I'll be back insha-Allah. Please keep me in your du'a! I'm sure a lot of people here can answer many of your questions in the meanwhile.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

As Salaamu 'Alaikum Brothers and Sisters in iman,

There are a few links that you might want to begin in your search for knowledge. Here are three hauzas in England that I've heard are reputable.

The first is the Imam Hussein (as) Institute in London. This school begins a bachelor's with a 2 year theological program in the English language During this time the focus is on developing the students' Arabic ability. After 2 years the school switches entirely to Arabic to teach different religious concepts. There are a number of different subjects taught here including jurisprudence, principles of jurisprudence, philosophy, science of hadith and narrators, logic, etiquette, history, etc. This Hauza also offers an MA program and PhD.

The second is the Islamic College for Advanced Studies (www.islamic-college.ac.uk) which is located just across the street from the above hauza. They also have BA, MA, and PhD programs and are affiliated with several universities. They offer free A-levels I believe. There website has a lot of info and is a good place to start looking. Since it is so new, no-one has had the opportunity to graduate from the BA levels yet, but so far news is that this school gets good results.

The third is the Imam Mahdi Institute in Birmingham (http://www.almahdi.i12.com/). I understand this has the best reputation from any hauza in the west and is sometimes called "second Najaf." Look at the web site for some more info...I've heard the most good things about this place. The word is that it has one of the best Islamic libraries in the western world.

If you do not have a solid background in Arabic grammar and vocabulary, it is a good idea to establish these before moving on...for those of you who have focused on the study of Arabic for at LEAST a year or two, going straight to the city of Qom, the theological center of Iran, is probally in your favor. Sorry sisters, these schools are for men only as far as I know. Check with any of the above three places for more info on schools in Qom for women. Here are 2 schools in Qom.

The first place is the International Center for Islamic Studies (www.qomicis.org) and is now the first place most non-Iranians begin at. I understand that there are over 70 nationalities represented at this school. This school teaches all of the above mentioned fields and also one can study Islamic political theory, gnosis, different Muslim sects & other religions, and tafseer. The school has a special 6 month program which can either be preceded by or followed by a 3 month Persian course. Understanding that it is difficult for people to take off so much time, khums pays for the following amenities. Maybe you'll see why most hauza students refer to ICIS as the Hilton :) :

* free lunch and dinner served everyday except Friday

* free room and board

* free tuition and books

* $60 dollars = 500,000 rial for personal spending. A flight

to Mashad from Tehran will run you about $40 dollars so that

covers at least 1 ziyarat trip. :)

* meetings with numerous scholars and dignitaries

* free health insurance and access to a very nice gymnasium with

weights, mirrors, and other equipment.

* 2 way ticket to and from Iran

* Visa procedures

There is also the Imam Ali (as) institute in Qom. I have far less knowledge on this school but I understand that people come from all over the world to study here. The Imam Ali (as) Institute is also affiliated with ICIS which I mentioned just above. ICIS might have more info, or check with the three schools in England for application materials.

It is very possible for anyone to study in Hauza who wants to go...but invariably it is not the amenities or the degrees which one is confered that are important.

The point of hauza is to produce strong Muslims who can stand for Islam. Many people don't understand this. The latest batch of students, composed of 60 individuals, went to the city. Of these, 40 came back after 1 year. Qom gives up it's knowledge for a price...although every convenience, especially in these days, is being taken care of, Qom is not something that is for everyone. many people realize this after they get to the city. They do not do enough preparation and have goals that are not those which are consistent of a true talib, but this is a different story all together.

Insha-Allah, all the students who go to Qum and the other religious centers gain knowledge and purify themselves.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[Akhi]

Salam o alykum,

bro can you give us the website of Imam Hussein (as) Institute in London..if there is one.

thanks

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaamu 'Alaikum ya Akhi, :)

I have a really nice brochure from the Imam Hussein (as) Institute but no web site is listed on it... The brochure does say that the madrasa is located at 99 Dartmouth Road, London NW2 4ER. The same document says that a limited number of dorms are available for students either from the UK or abroad. Also a pre-requisite is that the students be from between age 16 and 25 years. There is also a 2 year diploma course in addition to the BA, MA, and PhD programs offered.

I also realized after I sent my second post on this thread. ICIS throws in trips to Mashad and other cities around Iran like Isfahan free of charge. So your $60 should stretch you a bit more. :)

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[Jondab-Ali]

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Salaams Akhi,

I am a full-time student at the Imam Hussein(A) Institute Hawzah here in London.

If you'd like more info, contact me privately and I'll be more than happy to be of any assistance to you.

Wasalaam,

Jondab Ali

[SadrasStudent]

Alhamdullillah I am most glad to see this topic and all of the informative replies. Insh'Allah I have been very interested in Iran in the future (right now I am still an undergrad). Specifically I am interested in possibly attending hawza in Qum. Anyhow, I have a couple of questions about hawza in Qum that I would like to ask. Any info is appreciated.

A) Is it possible to specialized in the aqli sciences (i.e. philosophy, kalam, logic, irfan) there - or would I have to go to a university for that?

B) My family is very worried that I would expirience a hard time there as a caucasian (un)American convert to Islam. I try to tell them not to worry, but can anyone give me specific information in this regard so as I can assuage their worries better?

[optikalfilter]

Brother Syed Aatif Ali B.

Thank you SO MUCH for your post. It was very helpful. Could you tell us more about the attitudes of the people? how are the teachers and what do they expect from you?

Also, what about this place: www.qabas.com/net

[sag_IMAM-REZA]

salam alaikom

My family is very worried that I would expirience a hard time there as a caucasian (un)American convert to Islam. I try to tell them not to worry, but can anyone give me specific information in this regard so as I can assuage their worries better?

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL You will be treated as a Super Star ^_^

dont worry about such things, InshaAllah you wll also be an inspiration to the Iranian Youth.

I pray for you, Opitikal and sheik Jondab to have succes.

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaamu 'Alaikum wa Rahmtollah! :)

I don't know anything else about the Imam Hussein (as) Institute...I'm not really interested in going there first as I'm being advised to jump to Qom this summer. Brother Jondab-Ali can help you insha-Allah. :) Brother Optikalfilter, the Imam Khomeini Institute is generally well regarded also but I'm not sure of the specific details so I can't tell you much. A lot of foreign students go there first but they don't seem to stay in Iran much longer than 2-4 years. The word is that it is also very well run and Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi is in charge there. He is a great scholar and having been honored by attending just 1 lecture by him in Tehran, I can tell you that he is an amazing individual...but I still feel more comfortable recommending ICIS since I've visited the place and also I am being guided by scholars in this direction. Different schools have different focus (foci?) and goals so I would go very carefully over that Qabas website. Insha-Allah I can possibly find out more on the place if you give me some time.

Brother SadrasStudent, the Aqli sciences can be learned to a certain degree in a classroom. The best approach IM humble O, however, is to study these issues in private...you would build a close relationship with such a teacher who becomes almost like a soulmate or at the least a mirror. :) Real masters of unspoken wisdom do not grow on trees but once you reach Qom or any other center, if you ask around in private, more experienced students will guide you towards experts in irfan. And sometimes Allah will even bestow noor upon such a person while they are moving towards Allah so that they gain self understanding due to their own efforts and the overall atmosphere. This is a little off topic but Allah guides who He wills and in Qom there is always someone better around who we can look at as a good example in some area. You have to choose teachers carefully though! Just because someone is wearing a turban on their head doesn't mean they have true knowledge on these issues or even agrees that irfan is worth pursuing. They may even damage your faith if you do not be careful about who you study under. Imam Ali (as) said "be careful where you get you knowledge from."

Plus, you may find irfan is not your cup of tea...irfan is VERY difficult and takes years of hard work. It's not something that people share with everyone and tends to be secretive. But sometimes you can tell who is studying it anyway. Different topic! I'm not going there! :)

As far as being a foreign student and a convert, you would be, as Bro Sag, put it a superstar...you would get a lot of attention. But also people may expect that you are more used to creature comforts so they would shower you with more attention and amenities than other students. You may think that the atmosphere would be very simple like in olden times, but the hauza is practically rich compared to in the past. There was a time when people would go around in the middle of the night looking for watermelon rind and collecting whatever s[Edited Out]s people threw out for food. These were the kinds of ulema and brave people we had working for us. In our time, the hauza has gained alot of attention from around the world and so there is more khums going there especially due to Islamic Revolution.

In the centers I gave info about, the atmosphere is not like the traditional madrassa...there is a blend between the university and the traditional style so that you would have papers and also exams to see what is your level. Your teachers would be like university professors but you would most likely build a close relationship with them especially cause you would be "the white guy." ^_^

This is going to be controversial but it must be said. As a foreigner, you can expect your teachers to really push the doctrine of Welayah Faqih on you...the Iranian students are given more room to question or even totally disagree with this concept, but as a foreigner, you can expect to go through a period where WF is all around you. Unless you understand this going in, you will be a total pawn rather than think deeply and independently about Islamic political alternatives to the current official interpretation of WF. This is not good, because as an alim you have to be able to look at issues from all angles and not just one side. If you read the works of the proponents of WF, like Shaheed Mutahari, you will see that they understood the concept inside and out and they carried more authority. If they had not understood all the reasoning and just done it "because Imam Khomeini said so" they would not be true ulema. The Madressa is not about swallowing facts like in some grade school and spitting them out. Its about gaining knowledge on different issues, mulling over them oneself, learning to think Islamically which is the stage of ijtihad, and becoming a better Muslim. Being closer to Allah is the ultimate goal of studying whether one is in Qom, or Damascus, or where ever, not simply believing in WF.

At any rate...if you decide to hang around Qom (and you have to decide what you want to do too!) for longer than 2 years you would pass the initial stage for most foreigners and move on to a more advanced level. The atmosphere changes considerably from this point onward. The focus is more on gaining the knowledge than passing tests or presenting papers, but that 2 year period is valuable in getting one's feet wet and ready for the "real" hauza. Madares are not equal to universities, lets be very clear about that, and for us who grow up in the west especially, the adjustment period can be beneficial.

I would advise anyone who is still in college to finish their basic education, that is a BA or BS, before attempting hauza. Not only will you gain certain unteachable skills which the hauza recognizes as valuable, but you will be able to come back from Iran in the future and pursue MA or even PhD studies if you wish...it sounds hard, but that's what scholarships are for! People have done it. :) Of course the reason for getting such a higher education would be simply as a vehicle for explaining Islam and what we learned in hauza. Until Hauza gains credibility in the west, it will be necessary to go about pursuing some university education in order to present Islam with authority. But I would NOT study Islamic Studies in the university...this is another topic so I leave it here unless anyone wants to discuss it further.

I hope this helped insha-Allah. If there is any other way I can be of assistance, I am your servent.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif.

[talib]

Alhamdullillah I am most glad to see this topic and all of the informative replies. Insh'Allah I have been very interested in Iran in the future (right now I am still an undergrad). Specifically I am interested in possibly attending hawza in Qum. Anyhow, I have a couple of questions about hawza in Qum that I would like to ask. Any info is appreciated.

A) Is it possible to specialized in the aqli sciences (i.e. philosophy, kalam, logic, irfan) there - or would I have to go to a university for that?

B) My family is very worried that I would expirience a hard time there as a caucasian (un)American convert to Islam. I try to tell them not to worry, but can anyone give me specific information in this regard so as I can assuage their worries better?

salam

Brother Sadras Stadent its really very heartening to know that u r planning to go to howza.

As Bro Reza said u ll be treated as special there! :D

And it is said that when thrist of knowledge develops inside then summer winter doesnt matters!

Nation wants people like u :rolleyes:

May Allah gives u strength for that :rolleyes:

Wasalam

[Orion]

Salam o Alekum,

MashaAllah, a very informative thread. :)

Keep it up.

Khuda Hafiz

[Akhi]

Salam o alykum,

Brother Syed Aatif Ali B., you had said that we should have basic grammar of Arabic at the least. But when i was going over the website of ICIS, they said that most of it will be done in persian.

Apart from the places of study in Qum, where else in the world are there places like Qum. How about in Iraq?

Someone was telling me that there is a renowned place in Lucknow, India, where they speak Urdu and not hindi. Maybe someone might know about that.

Was-salam

[Orion]

Apart from the places of study in Qum, where else in the world are there places like Qum. How about in Iraq?

Salam o Alekum,

There are Hawzas in Najaf (Iraq) and Syria. But from what I have heard because of the situation in Iraq, Najaf hawza is no more what it used to be. In anycase wherever you go you will have to learn Arabic. But as they say learning the language (Arabi, Farsi) is the easiest part.

Khuda Hafiz

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaam!

It is true that the language of instruction is in Persian, but the Qur'an is in Arabic...Arabic is the language of Ahlul-Bait. These two weighty things can never be parted from one another. Of course we can learn about them to a point in a foreign language, but there are reasons why Allah revealed the message in this Arabic. No time for a long explanation here, but when ever you translate, something is left out especially with a rich language like Arabic. All the best scholars had at least a minimum of 1 year Arabic training. Once you get your Arabic legs :) it's easier to focus on the other stuff. Arabic is NOT as easy as Farsi, Turki, or Urdu...it is uniquely complex. So it is with all this in mind that I suggest you learn Arabic before studying in hauza. Or even going to a religious center and JUST focusing on Arabic, preferably in the west such as in London. Even if we do not become scholars, to have a conversation with Qur'an in it's own language is indeed precious.

Najaf has been wiped out by Saddam (LA). You can study there...but it is just a shell of its former glory. Damascus is good for being able to focus on Arabic and practice it in the street. However, Qom stands head and shoulders above other religious centers...it is a center of knowledge whose light reflects all over the world...really, why would you settle for anything other than the best?

I'll be back in a couple of days...I'm leaving Toronto and will get back home in awhile...there are a lot of people here who can help with different questions. Keep posting! :)

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaamu 'Alaikum,

Are there any more questions? I don't know if I have the answers but this thread seems to be benefiting people.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[Guest ShiaCat]

Salaam Alaikum,

Are there any more questions? I don't know if I have the answers but this thread seems to be benefiting people.

I checked some of the mentioned places, most of them only accept people under 25,

I wonder if theres a place that takes older students as well as females.

Any hint greatly appreciated. :)

[optikalfilter]

asalaam alaikum,

I had a chance to talk to few individuals in person about hawza education. They told me that there are a maximum of 20-25 students from the western countries currently studying in Qom. Also, I was told that the son of Shahid Muthahari is currently in Canada completing a requirement for the Imam Khomeini Research and Education Institute (www.qabas.com)

wa'salaam

[shiarose]

AsalaamU Alaikom.

Are there any schools like that for sisters?

[Renaissance_Man]

Salaam

All the best scholars had at least a minimum of 1 year Arabic training. Once you get your Arabic legs  it's easier to focus on the other stuff. Arabic is NOT as easy as Farsi, Turki, or Urdu...it is uniquely complex. So it is with all this in mind that I suggest you learn Arabic before studying in hauza

Bro. Aatif, how many years of Arabic training do you recommend for a person to become proficient enough to understand lectures and books, especially the Qur'an? I'm considering taking Arabic courses at the university here but my fear is it will take years before I gain enough mastery of the language in order to interpret Islamic texts, which even in English, are difficult to understand. Somehow, I feel that I won't be able to derive the full benefit of howzeh that a native Arabic/Persian speaking person would.

Also, what about the madressahs in Pakistan and India? Would any of those be good starting point for a beginning student?

Jazakallah khayr.

[shabbir.hassanally]

In His Name, the Most High

Salaams

The Imam Husayn(A) Institute in London, England, does accept students above 25 and under 16 also it is open equally for sisters as well as brothers.

What is available on the leaflets is out dated.

For further information either contact Shaykh Jondab or myself.

With Salaams and Dua's

Shabbir

[razavi]

aa-yAm:

well in Pakistan the madressahs/hawzas are not like the ones in Qum but surely you can get the basic level edu there. This year some 50+ students got through to Qum for further higher level of study. Normally those with strong Arabic lang command are able to do the first part in a very compressed time frame as compared to others!

Arabic is they key !

wa-salam

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Wa Laikumus Salaam Wal Ikraam,

Brother Ali786, wayakum insha-Allah. :) And Brother Shabbir thanks for the correction on the age range of the students involved...

Maybe I miscommunicated something....Sisters of course can study at the western institutes. The 2 schools in Iran were the ones I was referring to as being for men only.

The sooner that one starts studying Arabic the better. The longer one waits to begin, the later it will be before we master it. Every breath of air we take must be a pebble aimed at the face of Shaitaan...so don't let any opportunities like this escape! There are no shortcuts to success.

Case in point: Allamah Tabataba'i studied the language for SEVEN years. While not all of us have writing tafaseer such as Al-Mizan in mind, this example shows how important Arabic is. Arabic possibly has the longest learning curve of any language, but the impact it has on one's faith and comprehension is very valuable. You don't have to know Arabic to be a good Muslim, but if you want to be an excellant Muslim it is necessary to study for at least a short while.

Whether or not you gain the full benefit that a Persian or Arab would is not relevant...you are trying to gain understanding of the Qur'an for yourself, not for others. We are not competing in a negative sense with one another, and actually the biggest opponents we face on these journeys are our nafs-amarrah. I say this because Shaitaan cannot tempt a person who has conquered their nafs. Shaitan is just a weak creature.

Anyway, even Persians and Arabs are learning Arabic in Qom. The thing is that their foundation has been strengthened before jumping into the fire. :) Our Sunni brothers and sisters recognize this too...I know of 1 brother in Fes, Morocco, who did his BA in Arabic and is still studying at the Qarawiyin! The Qarawiyin is the Al-Azhar of West Africa. Would you believe that he is a convert? Just a few years back he could not even make Arabic sounds, but now he is reading all kinds of religious texts. In fact, he says that reading Arabic is far more interesting than English! He finds English boring...

So I would highly encourage all who have the opportunity to study Arabic. It's not just the language of Arabs...it's the language of Islam and Muslims. It's our language. And the more we learn, the less we don't know...convincing our nafs to open those books and absorb that knowledge is the difficult part. :)

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

[optikalfilter]

asalaam alaikum,

This might sound silly, but are we allowed to bring laptops to Qom? Are we provided with a broadband connection anywhere near the Hawzahs?

Edited December 30, 2002 by optikalfilter

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Wa Laikumus Salaam,

I don't know why anyone couldn't bring their laptop to Qom. I do know that ICIS has a computer lab with internet connection but last time I went there 3 years ago it wasn't too fast...insha-Allah it has been upgraded.

It seems that many hauza students in Qom are too busy for internet. They might log on just once a month, for example, to check email...their studies are just far more interesting. I found the same thing happening in Morocco...although internet is fairly widespread, we just didn't have time or care for staying on with so many other things to do although when we'd have downtime it was a different story. But once a person is engrossed in studies, time flies! :)

As for other madares, I don't know if they have computer labs like ICIS...it is possible to find internet cafes across Tehran so perhaps these can also be found in Qom.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

Edited December 30, 2002 by Syed Aatif Ali B.

[shabbir.hassanally]

In His Name, the Most High

Salaams

Who said you can't take a laptop to Qum?

That is a complete lie - LOL - I know, I was in Qum until 1996 and I had a laptop with me (granted it was more of a luggable at that time) - but we had one there - and for all my time there - no problem with it at all.

With Salaams and Dua's

Shabbir

[145_turbo_16V]

In His Name, the Most High

Salaams

Who said you can't take a laptop to Qum?

That is a complete lie - LOL - I know, I was in Qum until 1996 and I had a laptop with me (granted it was more of a luggable at that time) - but we had one there - and for all my time there - no problem with it at all.

With Salaams and Dua's

Shabbir

Salamu Alaikum,

Cool. I wonder if Qum has broadband and wireless network.

Also does anyone know if there are students from China or other south east asian countries there?

Oh yeah, I can't go to Qum since I'm too old (27) but was wondering where I should go to for studies? I need to wait till my stocks vests before I can quit my job.

Edited December 30, 2002 by 145_turbo_16V

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaamu 'Alaikum,

Brother Shabbir, I don't think OpticalFilter was suggesting we CAN'T take laptops into Qom. Maybe he's just curiuous because, as you surely know, Iran does have strict security for good reasons...

Brother Optical Filter, something to be more careful about would be taking pictures in Iran. If you're not absolutely sure it's ok to take a picture of a building or place you should find out first. Because of terrorist attacks against Iranians and the constant threat of spies Iranians are very sensitive about taking photographs...but if you explain what you are doing, Iranians usually understand and are very cordial. They like to help and many would insist that they take your picture. :)

Brother Turbo, yes you can find people from China as well as Malasia and Japan...there are not too many of them but when you see them you know! Many of the Chinese Shia are from their country's north-west province. And black Africans study in Qom as well. They come from all over their continent to pursue knowledge. Qom is a very cosmopolitan city and there are people there from seemingly every corner of the planet. Insha-Allah we all get a chance to visit this unique city.

Just out of curiosity...why can't you study in Qom? There are people who begin there after getting their PhD's or even far older! Many people whose hair has turned white have made the decision late in their life to study here. Don't write it off! It may be something that you would really enjoy. :) The most important thing is that a person has a strong idea of what they are getting involved with and then that they stay true to their goals.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

Edited December 30, 2002 by Syed Aatif Ali B.

[Akhi]

salaam o alykum,

How bout learning arabic basics from those books..are they any good?

Me and another bro want to learn arabic...we are looking for a private tutor...so any of u guys in london...if u know of any...then please let me know.

Shukran (iiiiiii arabic)....

was-salam

[Ya Mahdi Madad]

Salaams to you all,

This is the first time I have decided to take part in this discussion group, though I have had many laughs and gained a lot of knowledge from the discussions that have taken place over the last few months.

This topic of hawza studies is one of my main interests as I would like to expand my very basic understanding of Islam after I complete my BA Inshallah.

I would like to ask those that are studying at the Imam Hussain(A) Institute if they could tell me any information about the hawza. Such as how is the course structured? Does one have 2 have in depth knowlegde of Islam or do they teach the very basics of Islam and then build from there on? I am interested in learning about Theology so how would this degree be structured?

Any information about the hawza would be much appreciated.

For those of you who would like to study Arabic in London, the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) has proper classes with an exam at the end of the module. There are two modules running: foundation class and intermediate classes. I'll post more information regarding their courses ASAP because I know their deadline for applications is real soon.

Take care and wishing you all a great spritual start to the new year,

with Salaams and Dua's your Sister in Islam :)

[SadrasStudent]

Does hawza have accomodations for disabled students? I have a number of interelated neurological and psychiatric disabilities which can have a severe negative impact on my performance if I don't get the necessary accomodations (extended-time tests outside of class, note-taker, access to a shrink and medications, etc). This doesn't mean I'm not intelligent - it just means I have trouble with concentration, clerical tasks, handling stress, etc. Here in America I'm covered under the ADA (Americans with Disablities Act). I don't know if I would have trouble in this regard studying in Qum, Tehran, London, etc.

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Wa Laikumus Salaam Wa Rahmatollah, :)

Well, Shabbir doesn't seem to be here any longer...if anyone knows about hauza, PLEASE jump in.

Brother SadrasStudent, I don't know if it will be possible to get all the help you need...I can't imagine it would be easy to find a trained English speaking psychologist. Until you learn Farsi, this could be a big concern. I just don't have any info on test extensions or getting help with notes.

Also, in these countries things are very different from the west...for example, for a person who uses a wheelchair, access be a huge concern. But it shouldn't be too difficult to find many prescriptions...Pakistan is far poorer than Iran and I've seen people getting all kinds of prescription medication. This might be an issue to raise with medical experts from the Iranian community. You could also have your medication delivered to you via mail, although if you have to keep it cold it could expensive as you'd need to specially pack the stuff in dry ice.

But have hope! Here are two things you will find interesting:

1. A lot of the internal noise that we are accustomed to disappears when we go to countries that work at a slower pace...I remember doing some studies for my Psych minor in which we found that Americans have a high tendancy towards Attention Deficit Disorder. While I'm not saying that ADD doesn't exist in other places, being able to slow down helps many people with their ability to focus. But you will probally always have to deal with your problem at least to some degree...this is your test. Unless you follow step 2! :)

2. Here's an idea that merits serious consideration. There is a place at the Harram of Imam Reda (as) where people are cured of their disabilities. I've seen it happen right in front of me...There is a lattice work to which people tie strings from fingers. They then invoke Imam Ali Reda (as) to intercede for them with Allah. Wallah, I swear by my honor as a Muslim I saw these strings untie by themselves and people who are seriously injured or have terminal illnesses, cured. If you get a chance to go to Iran, go here first! Subhan-Allah, this my own life was changed by being in this place. Do not rule out this place under any circumstances...

Anyway, that's enough for now...I hope this helps insha-Allah.

Wa Salaam, :)

Syed Aatif

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Salaam!

One more idea came to my mind...Imam Khomeini has a very good article on the ideal mindset of a student in the seminaries which you can find here:

www.al-islam.org/al-tawhid/greater_jihad.htm

Insha-Allah this gives you an idea of the weighty responsibilities a hauza student has... :) If we can't meet the criteria, which is pretty convincing, it might not be a good idea to go. Think deeply on this article brothers and sisters.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif

Edited January 1, 2003 by Syed Aatif Ali B.

[NeoJihad]

Salamu Alikum,

Thank you very much Brothers and Sisters, particularly dear Syed Aatif Ali B., you havn't not withheld and you've been most helpful :)

I am going to Qum, inshallah, this summer after I finish my last year in school, .. I'll be staying there for quite a while, I have to touch upon my arabic and devout myself to the religion more sternly. I'm hoping to acquire knowledge and gain more direction in my spirituality, also, I am longing for that islamic atmosphere and inshallah, sometime I'll return back to the west, to work in Allah's way in what ever way I can, more specifically, in preperation for the Qai'm(atf) ,.. pray that Allah accepts my efforts, .. sorry, I just wanted to give a little intro into my aspiratoins since it is relavent to the topic..

Much like Br.SadrasStudent, I am not exactly of 'typical' nationality, heh, I'm a black muslim (though mixed with Iraqi decent), so humm, I doubt there are much black muslims there, so this should be interesting :)

Anyway, just thought I'd thank you for this thread, it's been most helpful. :) Wa'salmu alikum wa rahamatullah.,

[Guest Syed Aatif Ali B.]

Wa Laikumus Salaam Wal Ikraam,

Thanks you guys for the compliments, but it is nothing special, I'm no expert on this subject...I'm sorry I haven't been more helpful and please forgive for my lack of knowledge...I'm trying to learn all this stuff with you guys. :)

Brother (or sister?) NeoJihad, your goals sound very noble masha-Allah...I hope I can raise myself to your level. I will also be in Qom this summer, insha-Allah. Have you chosen where to study yet? How are you visa applications going and do you have an alim sponsoring you? Btw, people will be very curious about you if you are black...although it is more common for black people to be studying in Qom these days, it is still kind of a novelty for Iranians. I think outside of Qom people are much more forward...they just stare if they sense you are different.

Brother (or sister?) Pasdar, when I say the haram, I don't mean the zaree itself where Imam is buried...I'm refering to the overall structure. But I don't remember for sure where the place is...whenever I go back I see that so many updates and additions have been made to the haram that I have to walk around for sometime before I recognize the direction. Something tells me that it is not far from the library...maybe it's the adjoining courtyard?

You will see a lot of old strings tied to the grill and maybe people lined up in front of it. Look for all the people in wheelchairs :) The place is outside in one of the many courtyards...I wish I could just show you somehow, but this isn't possible. :( It's a very famous place though...ask around about it! Whenever a miracle takes place there and is recorded by the caretakers of the haram (and they take place a LOT), the caretakers sound these huge gongs and you see people getting downright gleeful! But SO many miracles are taking place there that get unreported, that the gongs don't ring nearly as much as they should. :) Most people seem just overjoyed to be cured and don't care about recording the moment. There is a book on the subject of cures at the haram of Imam Ali ar-Reda (as). If I can dig it up, I'll see if there is any more useful information.

Btw, to everyone here, Qom is just a city...it has its good people and its bad people as well as shady neighborhoods! Not everywhere you go or everyone you meet will be Islamically inclined. I've had things stolen from me there and many other people tell me they've had the same experience. There is a problem with petty theft so keep that in mind when you go! Of course some of the best people in the world live there also...it's possible to learn more with them in a few minutes than in a month or two because their perspective is so otherworldly.

Wa Salaam,

Syed Aatif