Youth Participate in Transformative Ziyarah Journey to Iraq in Partnership with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine

I.M.A.M. recently concluded its first facilitated ziyarah journey to Iraq, bringing a group of young adults from across North America on a spiritually and educationally enriching experience centered on the holy cities of Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiyya. Conducted during Winter 2025 through I.M.A.M.’s initiative, Enlighten Tours, the journey was designed for youth ages 18–28. The 22-member group, made up largely of university students, many visiting Iraq for the first time, registered through I.M.A.M. and was hosted and fully organized on the ground by the Administration (Atabah) of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine in Karbala.

Throughout the visit, participants were welcomed with exceptional care and organization, reflecting the Atabah’s deep commitment to engaging and supporting young visitors from around the world. In addition to guided ziyarah at the sacred sites, the group was introduced to a range of cultural, educational, and humanitarian institutions affiliated with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, including al-Warith Cancer Institute, Al-Zahra University for Women, and Al-Sibtain Academy for Autism and Developmental Disorders. These visits offered participants meaningful insight into how the values embodied by Imam Hussain (p) are expressed through service, education, and care for society.

Beyond Karbala and Najaf, the journey also included visits to historic and religious landmarks such as ancient Babylon, as well as the holy sites of the four deputies of the Twelfth Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) in Baghdad. Together, these experiences allowed participants to connect spiritual reflection with historical awareness and contemporary expressions of faith in action.

According to a statement by the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine’s International Media Center, the visit formed part of a broader program aimed at strengthening the spiritual and cultural connection of expatriate youth with the holy shrines, while introducing them to the humanitarian and moral mission these institutions serve within Iraqi society and beyond. This shared vision was evident throughout the program’s structure, hospitality, and educational depth.

Participants expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and shared thoughtful reflections on the impact of the journey:

“If you are on the fence about joining the ziyarah trip hosted by I.M.A.M., go. Especially if it is your first ziyarah, you will not regret it. The spiritual connection you experience is unlike anything else and cannot be replicated elsewhere. Along the way, you naturally build bonds with your fellow zuwwar and gain knowledge that stays with you long after the trip ends.”

— Ali T., Canada

“As a revert, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and for the sense of connection, guidance, and reflection this journey provided. This sponsored pilgrimage was a truly meaningful experience for me. Being surrounded by people from so many different walks of life was a powerful reminder that everyone is on their own journey, yet we are all united by a shared purpose. I don’t think I could have navigated this experience on my own as easily. Having the support of the group made everything smoother, more memorable, and far more meaningful.”

— Lianna L., Arizona

“On a more personal level, this trip helped me disconnect and reset in a way that few other experiences ever have. Between the holy sites, the libraries, the scholars, the tours, and the time spent reflecting with passionate and thoughtful youth, every part of the journey felt rejuvenating.”

— Maha H., Michigan

I.M.A.M. expresses its sincere appreciation to the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine for its generosity, professionalism, and attentiveness toward the youth throughout the journey. The care with which participants were received contributed meaningfully to the depth of their experience and reflects a shared commitment to nurturing spiritually grounded and socially conscious young Muslims through authentic engagement with Islam’s sacred heritage. 

This journey reflects I.M.A.M.’s broader mission to nurture faith, knowledge, and responsible engagement among Muslim communities in North America, and forms part of its ongoing efforts across its core areas of religious guidance, education, community development, and youth engagement.