Application

1Application Initiation

2Applicant Information

3Passport Information

4Applicant Special Needs

5Application Questions

6Reference Information

7Terms & Consents

North America or Europe*

Applicant Information

Name*

First Last

Email Address*

Phone Number*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Date of Birth*

DD slash MM slash YYYY

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Event Day

Month

Day

Year

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Age*

Are you currently a student?*

Occupation*

University Currently Attending*

Major*

End date of December University classes*

Passport Information

Must hold a valid passport that will expire 6 months after return

Passport Expiration Date*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Passport Number*

Upload a picture of passport*

Max. file size: 80 MB.

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Upload a picture of passport*

Max. file size: 80 MB.

Applicant Special Needs

List any special needs/requirements needed while on the retreat*

Put N/A for no special needs/requirements

Application Questions

What are your career aspirations post-graduation?*

What community / non-profit organizations are you currently involved in?*

What are your aspirations for community work? Describe any specific projects/initiatives you would like to work on?*

In your opinion, why is it important for you to connect with the Islamic Seminary in the Holy City of Najaf?*

What is your main objective for joining this retreat?*

Have you attended scholar visits in the past? If yes, when, where and with which organization?*

Have you performed ziyarat in Iraq in the past? If yes, when was the most recent trip and with who?*

Are you currently interested in pursuing Islamic Seminary studies overseas? If yes, what led to your decision AND what do you aspire to do with the knowledge you acquire from your studies? Please be specific.*

List past and current Islamic studies / seminar classes you have attended. Include name of in person and/or virtual school or program, instructor name, and date of courses.*

Reference Information

References must be provided by non-family members. References will be contacted.

Reference (1)

Reference (1) - Name*

First Last

Reference (1) - Phone Number*

Reference (1) - Company / Organization*

Reference (2)

Reference (2) - Name*

First Last

Reference (2) - Phone Number*

Reference (2) - Company / Organization*

Reference Letters
Provide two reference letters that talk to why you should be chosen to participate in this year‘s retreat.
Letters must come from an Islamic Studies instructor or Administration/Leadership of Center/Organization you are active with.

Reference Letter (1)*

Max. file size: 80 MB.

Reference Letter (2)*

Max. file size: 80 MB.

Terms and Conditions Consents

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS STATEMENT BEFORE SIGNING YOUR CONSENT TO ALL ITS TERMS. IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, THEN PLEASE DISCUSS IT WITH US BEFORE SIGNING.

Terms and Conditions*

I acknowledge that I wish to participate in The Najaf Retreat (‘the Retreat’) in Iraq from December 2025 to January 2026.

I understand that certain risks are inherent with travel and stay for the duration of the Retreat especially considering the political, social and environmental factors of the destination being travelled to and the surrounding region. I have been advised to read and follow the travel advice of my local country and that provided by the UK government on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq.

I know there may be other unknown and/or unreasonably unforeseeable risks during this retreat, and I fully accept those risks.

I understand that I have been strongly advised not to travel unless I have obtained the appropriate insurance to include but not limited to travel, life, health/medical and property/personal belongings cover for the purposes of any adverse issues or potential losses relating to the entirety of the Retreat. I understand that The Mainstay Foundation will not be responsible for any theft, damage, destruction or loss of my property during the Retreat.

I understand that participation in the Retreat is entirely at my risk and I fully release and discharge The Mainstay Foundation from all liability in connection with my participation in the Retreat.

By checking this box, I acknowledge that the primary purpose and focus of the Najaf Retreat is to introduce participants to various Scholars at the Islamic Seminary in Najaf, Iraq to build on leadership skills for the betterment of themselves, their communities, and act as a bridge to the Islamic Seminary for pursuit of future studies. As such, the retreat should not be viewed as a general visitation trip (ziyarat) to the Holy Shrines.

I acknowledge and agree to the purpose of this retreat.

Special Medical Requirements*

I understand that I will be responsible for bringing my own medication for allergies or other medical conditions and will ensure that this will be available throughout the duration of the Retreat for my immediate use if required. For any prescription medication I will ensure that the pack contains a pharmacy label, which clearly identifies my name and prescribed medication.

I understand that I must be fit and healthy to safely participate in the Retreat and have where appropriate obtained professional or specialist advice in this regard.

Please note that food in Iraq is not regulated by Food Agencies as are in other countries, hence it is the responsibility of every participant to be aware of foods they consume, regardless of where they are being proved/eaten/purchased.

I agree to the medical requirements

Safety*

In case of injury or accident during the course, the participant will be taken to a hospital. If their health is determined to be serious, or such that in the discretion of The Mainstay Foundation s/he will be unable to continue the Retreat, the participant will be required to return home.

I agree to the safety consent

Disciplinary Action*

The Mainstay Foundation reserves the right to remove any participant from the Retreat should their behaviour be deemed inappropriate or if this is deemed necessary by The Mainstay Foundation in its sole discretion. In such an event, the participant will not be entitled to any refund and will be liable to The Mainstay Foundation in respect of any losses incurred as a result of the participant’s conduct or otherwise.

Breach of any of these terms and conditions will lead to action being taken by the organisers. This action can include but not be limited to the following:
- Verbal warning
- Penalisation (imposed at the discretion of the organisers)
- Expulsion from the Retreat

In the case of expulsion from the Retreat, the participant will be solely financially responsible for arranging the return flight and in addition will be required to refund The Mainstay Foundation for the travel expenses incurred in relation to the participant’s attendance at the Retreat.

I agree to the disciplinary action consent

Code of Conduct*

All participants are expected to follow and abide by the following:

1. Observing the laws of Islam.
2. Observing the laws and customs of Iraq.
3. Observing the rules and regulations of the Retreat.
4. Being willing to learn and improve spiritually, educationally, and personally.
5. Striving to be a model for others including acting responsibly and sensibly at all times.
6. Being patient with the organisers and volunteers and following instructions given by any member of staff.
7. Being attentive during programmes including asking questions and taking notes.
8. Being punctual at all times.
9. Not leaving the premises or any activity without permission.

I agree to the conduct consent

Media Consent*

During the Retreat, we will take photographs and videos. We may use the photographs and video footage on our website and social media for reporting and promotional purposes (‘the Permitted Purposes’). You hereby grant us permission to use the photographs and videos on our website and social media for the Permitted Purposes as well as sharing the same with our regional partners and other affiliates worldwide. You hereby waive any rights of privacy, publicity, compensation, copyright, moral or other rights to those images/video in perpetuity on a worldwide basis.

You agree to The Mainstay Foundation:
- Storing copies of the photographs and videos for as long as necessary to fulfill the Permitted Purposes and storing your contact details on our database in case we need to contact you.
- Sharing the photographs and videos with our regional partners and affiliates who provide charitable purposes.
- You can withdraw your consent given in this statement at any time by writing to us at admin@najafretreat.org. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent.
- Process the photographs, videos and your contact details in accordance with our Privacy Policy (see link below).

I agree to the media consent

By checking this box, you agree to the Privacy Policy.

I acknowledge and agree to the privacy policy.