The Najaf Retreat allows young leaders in our communities the opportunity to be exposed to the rich Islamic heritage in Iraq by visiting the Holy Shrines and connecting with scholars in the Islamic Seminary in Najaf. Participants will engage directly with the senior-most ranking scholars of the seminary and benefit from their knowledge and experience. Participants will also get the opportunity to visit the Shrines of the Imams and important heritage sites in Najaf and other holy cities inshallah. For this reason, it is VITAL that ALL participants observe Islamic attire, maintaining modesty and respect towards the customs of the holy cities we are visiting. 

Participants must dress modestly in accordance with Islamic law and maintain a smart and respectful appearance. Tight- fitting clothes, shorts, and sleeveless vests/tops are not permitted. 

 

Sister’s Hijab Guidelines to be observed: 

- Sisters MUST wear one of the Aabaya’s outlined in figures 1-3. Closed Aabaya al Raas (figure 1) is the preferred dress. 

- Open Aabaya al Raas (figure 2) requires a traditional shoulder aabaya to be worn underneath given it is open: the shoulder Aabaya must be loose nonrevealing, no bling, no belt.  

- Traditional Ziyarat Aabaya (figure 3) is a very loose shoulder aabaya resembling shape of butterfly: shoulder Aabaya must be loose nonrevealing, no bling nor belt.  

-  Shoulder aabaya (figure 3) must be worn with traditional black square hijab to cover the shoulders, back and chest (as shown in figure 4) and black umta (cap) underneath square hijab in order to prevent hair along the hairline from showing. 

-If the Aabaya rides up at the wrist, please wear short wrist caps (figure 5-6) 

- All garments MUST be in black, including hijab and umta.  

-Socks / heavy trouser socks should cover the feet: refrain from wearing sheer socks/knee highs 

- Jackets and coats should be worn underneath the Aabayas or a cape/shawl over it. It is extremely difficult for coat/jacket to go over the Aabaya with all that material and not have the Aabaya ride up/bunch up.  

- NO ponchos over the Aabaya as it accentuates the chest. 

- NO nail polish or makeup should be worn: lip balm or ChapStick should be NOT be glossy nor tinted. 

 - Refrain from heavy scented perfume: rollerball preferred over spray given you can control where it goes and how much used. Hand/body cream should be unscented or very lightly scented.

// Najaf Retreat 2022 Terms and Conditions //

I acknowledge that I wish to participate in The Najaf Retreat in Najaf, Iraq from 23 December 2022 to 03 January 2023

I understand that certain risks are inherent with travel and stay for the duration of the project. I know there may be other unknown and/or unreasonably unforeseeable risks during this retreat, and I fully accept those risks

I understand that The Mainstay Foundation does not provide insurance to cover any loss or damage to my personal property and The Mainstay Foundation strongly recommends I carry my own travel, health medical and property insurance for potential loss or damage whilst on this retreat

- I fully release and discharge The Mainstay Foundation from all liability in connection with my participation in The Najaf Retreat.

Special Dietary and Medical Requirements
- Participants will be responsible for bringing their own medication for allergies or other medical conditions.

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 view of the organisers they will be unable to continue the retreat, the participant will be sent back home.

Disciplinary Action
- The Mainstay Foundation reserves the right to remove any participant from the retreat should their behaviour be deemed inappropriate. In such an event, no refund of retreat fees or other costs will be made and penalty will apply to cover the losses incurred by The Mainstay Foundation of up to (the equivalent of) £500.

- Breach of any of these terms and conditions will lead to action being taken by the organisers. This action could be:
* Verbal warning
* Penalisation (imposed at the discretion of the organisers)
* Expulsion from the retreat

- In case of expulsion from the retreat, the return expenses are to be borne by the participant.

Behaviour and Attitude
- The behaviour and attitude that is expected from participants is summarised as follows:
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
6. Being patient with the organisers and volunteers
7. Taking a keen part in all programmes, including asking questions and taking notes
8. Being punctual at all times.
9. Not leaving the premises or any activity without permission.

Media Consent
- During the trip we will take photographs and videos. We may use the images and video footage on our website and social media for reporting and promotional purposes. The photographs and videos taken by the organisers may also be shared with the regional partners and other entities.