Iraq. The cradle of civilisation and the birthplace of the invention of writing, the wheel, the first accurate calendar, the 60 seconds 60 minute hour, and so much more. Humanity is indebted to Iraqi civilisation, whose inventions changed the world. But sadly, Iraq has been raped, pillaged, invaded, and destroyed by regional and foreign powers and is referred to as a failed state.

Iraq has been through successive crises. The Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s bankrupted the country, which led to the Baathist regime taking the disastrous decision to invade Kuwait and take control of its oil fields, leading to the imposition of heavy sanctions by the West. The illegal invasion of the country in 2003, and more recently, the jihadist takeover by ISIS in 2014, has not allowed Iraq to take a breath and regain its composure.

Now, the country is but a shadow of its former glorious self and is desperately trying to rebuild itself as a credible, regional power endowed with political legitimacy, economic growth, and social justice. But without a functioning and legitimate government, basic infrastructure, which provides constant electricity and water, and economic opportunities for its citizens, Iraq remains crippled, the old man of the Arab world, you could say. 

And what about its citizens, the 1.2 million internally displaced peoples, the 5 million + orphans, the widows, the sick, elderly, and the disabled? Iraq is a beleaguered nation, but despite this, there is a resolve in the people to make a better future for themselves, free from the fetters of foreign interference and occupation.  More importantly, Iraq is the land of the Holy Imams wherein Imam Hussain (AS), his father, Imam Ali (AS), Imam Musa (AS), Imam Jawad (AS), and Imam Taqi (AS) Imam Hasan Al-Askari lay in rest in Karbala, Najaf, Khadamayn, and Samarra, respectively.  In Samarra, the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi went into occultation. May Allah hasten his reappearance. 

Millions of people from all over the world visit the holy shrines of the Imams.  Ziyarah tour operators, who offer comprehensive and affordable ziyarah packages throughout the year, have made the Imams accessible to Muslims and non-Muslims, alike. Shia media like Ahlulbayt TV, Hidayat TV, and many others, have brought the Imams into our homes through our screens, fuelling people’s desires to book a ziyarah trip to visit the Imams in person.

And what a feeling it is to visit the Imams?  I have had the amazing opportunity of travelling to Iraq to perform Ziyarah on numerous occasions, and never I have been met with such friendly, hospitable, generous and welcoming people.  But they’re suffering is palpable, the pain in their eyes evident, the brokenness, which envelopes their very being, brings tears to one eyes. As do the orphans of Karbala, who come up to you begging for food or money.  It’s hard to walk away without giving them something. 

So, with a heavy heart, I turned to face the magnificent golden domes of Imam Husain, and his valiant brother, Al-Abbas, to say a prayer for the hungry, homeless, and helpless.  I asked Allah to make all their affairs easy for them, and to provide them sustenance from places they could never expect. 

If this blog has inspired you to learn about Iraq, and its fascinating history, then why not book a trip with Twelver Tours.  The Ahlulbayt are the most benevolent of hosts, and just like Twelver Tours will take good care of you, so will the Imams.  Travel to Iraq is now easier than ever before, and we would be delighted if you could join us on our upcoming trip, July 22nd – August 1st, 2023.  Please download our brochure for more information, or give us a call and speak to one of our friendly customer services agents. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

With peace and blessings,

Fahmida Husain writing for Twelver Tours.