A Spiritual Journey like no other

A trip to Karbala can be life-changing, and perhaps the most popular times to visit Imam Hussein (AS) is during Muharram and Arbaeen.  

Muḥarram (Arabic: مُحَرَّم‎ muḥarram) is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months of the year. It is the second holiest month after Ramadan, and for Shias, it is a month of mourning and lamentation.  

Imam Husain’s (AS) stand for justice on the plains of Karbala, his bravery, courage, and words still echo through the annals of history and reach us today.  The lantern of guidance, the ark of salvation, Imam Husain (AS) saved Islam and carried on his grandfather’s legacy in the face of an army whose numbers dwarfed the small band of warriors of his caravan. 

If you have had the privilege of visiting Husain in Karbala, you will know that the sight of his shrine is enough to reduce one to tears, tears that one cannot hold back and that flow like the river Furat (Euphrates). How tragic that his family and companions were denied even one drop of water from this river to quench their thirst in the scorching heat of the desert. Ya Husain!

For those who wish to travel to Iraq, there is no time like now. Twelver Tours offers a comprehensive Iraq ziyarah package to some of the most visited shrines in the Islamic world.  

Your spiritual journey will begin in Baghdad, visiting the shrines of Al-Khadamayn, one of the most important religious cities in Iraq, where the shrines of two infallible Imams (a), Imam al-Kazim (a) and Imam al-Jawad (a) are located.

Onwards to Najaf to visit Imam Ali (AS), whose epithets are numerous but include ‘the father of the orphans,’ of which Iraq has no shortage, sadly. It is common to see many orphans, widows, and poor people begging for money and food in and around the holy shrines.  

Humanity owes a debt to this magnanimous personality, whose skills, talents, and advice, including his maxims, have shaped our world. 

The next stop is Samarra, where our 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (ajft), went into occultation.  The road to Samarra reminds us of Iraq’s recent battle against ISIS as the images of its martyrs, its heroes, adorn the highway, never allowing us to forget that the armies of Jahal exist in every time and age.  Every Day is Ashura, Every Land is Karbala, as the famous saying goes. 

Finally, you’ll arrive in Karbala, and once you behold the shrines, you’ll feel a love for the Ahlulbayt coursing through your veins, enveloping your entire being, and transforming your outlook on life.  The zawaar (pilgrims) of Husain describe in vivid detail and can even pinpoint the exact time that spiritual transformation took place.  A moving experience for all, Imam Husain (AS) and his brother, Abbas, take such good care of their guests, and so will Twelver Tours. 

Your package includes ground transport, booked hotels, workshops, lectures, and a visit to the Sajjad Foundation, which is working in partnership with The Hope Appeal.  A UK registered charity whose aims include helping Iraq’s orphans and widows through providing food aid and a monthly stipend to help them get by. 

There will also be plenty of free time to go to the shops to purchase gifts for loved ones and explore the surrounding areas of the shrines. Your Muharram and Arbaeen trip will be an unforgettable experience, so register your interest today, and don’t miss out.