They say, whatever you ask on Ashura to Aba abDillah will be granted with the Will of Allah. Last Ashura, I requested to be given a chance the following year to be within the proximity of our blessed infallibles. Thankfully, I had been given this chance to visit our Imams and their companions in Iraq during the March Break of 2017 with the incredible Faraj Group. Arriving at the same ground of my beloved Imams and his companions filled me with anticipation, yet left me very emotional as I took each step closer to their Haram. Making my niyyah and travelling from Najaf, to Karbala, to Kadhmain and to Samarrah, made me realize how fortunate and blessed I am to finally have the opportunity I had been waiting for. My Ziyarat trip with the Faraj Group offered me the time for myself where I detached myself from this world and its allurements and focused on gaining some material for the hereafter and the betterment for my soul. Overall, the trip was outstanding in terms of organization, accommodations and their positive attitude. I pray to Allah that all those that had a chance to do the Ziyarat of Iraq can go again, and those that have not been, may Allah give them a chance to visit and do the Ziyarat of Iraq. I also pray to Allah that all those that helped make this Ziyarat trip happen, including Shams Uncle and Shakie Aunty, may Allah reward them for what they deserve and bless them with more tawfiq to make this trip happen again.
One of the moments that really stood out to me during our stay in Najaf was when we went to Masjid e Kufa and prayed there. Some people were complaining about all the rakaats and how their knees hurt, but I liked it. It was calming, it was methodical, we got to talk to Allah, the night air was a cool refresher from the heat of the day. It felt really nice to pray out in the open courtyard, in a place I’ve heard about for years, and actually see it with my own eyes.
After this trip, it was undeniable that Ziyarat is so much more than getting on a plane and flying to another country. It is leaving your family and friends behind but never feeling sad because what you are going towards is so much greater, in so many ways. It is the feeling of home 10 000 kilometers away from your house and city. It is the unity felt between Muslim brothers and sisters whom you’ve never met before as you rush to pray Tahajjud before Fajr time in Najaf. It is the collective cries of “Labayk!” that engulf you in Karbala. It is the teary recital of the dua for the safety of the Imam in Samarrah and the tranquility of Kadhmain. It is fetching chai for the elders in your Ziyarat group. It’s shaking your friends awake for salah. It is the feeling of never wanting to leave this piece of Jannah on earth which you have fallen in love with during such a short time but leaving anyway. It is coming back to your house and city and praying to go back to that places that feels so much like home.
I have been for ziyaraat 4 times with the Faraj group and I have been very happy with every experience. The Faraj group is very accommodating, in that they allow for individuals to plan when they would like to visit the harams and they are always willing and ready to accompany those who would like their assistance. The Faraj Group always addresses every individual’s needs and concerns with kindness and care. Thank you for the enlightening lectures during our bus rides to different sacred places. I have thoroughly enjoyed every trip with this spiritual group.
Ziyarat is the gift of a lifetime, and my gift was enhanced by the fact that I was part of the Faraj Group. The friendliness and attitude of the group made it a beautiful experience. I would definitely go with them again!
My first ziyarat trip was a remarkable one, I am really glad I got to go with a great group, Faraj group. This Group was very organized and accommodating. I am glad I had the chance to go on a spiritual journey and share this experience with my family and friends. I would recommend Faraj Group for its outstanding quality and kindness. Thank you Faraj Group!
Going to Ziyarat with Faraj Group was a great experience. The accommodation and meals served were sufficient. The places this group took us for ziyarat were a spiritual blessing. Although there were times where I had difficulty on the trip, but at the end the spiritual strength helped me overcome it. The trip can be little tiring, but the love for our Imams keep us strong and aid in every ziyarat. The location of our hotel across Hazrat Abbas (a.s) shrine was a beautiful treat. It was very well organized and I hope mine as well as all the members of my kafila’s ziyarat is accept by Allah (s.w.t) Ameen.
I went with Faraj group during 15th Shaban (2010) and I tremendously enjoyed my stay in all the muqadas places. The spirituality of the journey was maintained by the humbleness of Shamsbhai and his family to ensure that the zawars are being taken care of and that their ziyarat is indeed a comfortable one. Having experienced other group as well, I would highly recommend Faraj if you are seeking to get the most out of your trip in terms of worship and spirituality.
Alhamdullilah with Allah’s blessing, my husband and I have been to Kerbala, Najaf, Kufa, Sammarrah and Kadhmain. I have been to Iraq five times with Faraj Group led by Shamsbhai and my sister Shakie. My husband has been three times in the same group. We have had a good experience, a well organized group. Personally, I have felt very comfortable while travelling with this group. When we went for makhsusi time they tried their best to make sure that we were residing close to the Haram. This made us go to the Haram often since it was so near and the ladies could even go early in the morning at 3 am. A few people who travelled with Faraj Group felt that the hotels were not to their standard. They said they would not mind paying a little more to stay at a better hotel. Personally, I feel that we have come for the ziyarat and not for a luxurious vacation. I would repeatedly go for ziyarat with Faraj Group.
Now that I am back in Canada…rested and spiritually awakened! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for undertaking and fulfilling this spiritual journey for us. It was indeed a memorable trip which we will cherish for the rest of our lives and our duas are with you all for making this possible.
My family is still in India and they join me in appreciation of your services..May Allah give you the strength and courage to continue this noble work – Ameen! It is indeed a tough undertaking with so many challenges but you handled it all with a smile…kudos to you.