Ahsan Gap Year

Course Details

The Ahsan Gap Year Program

The Ahsan Gap Year Program is a Bab al-Ridha initiative, launched in August 2024.

Objectives

  • Comprehensive Islamic Education: Students will engage in a minimum of 800 hours of classes, covering Islamic ideology (aqaid), spiritual journey (akhlaq),  (ahkam), life skills and so much more (check out the course program)
  • Spiritual and Personal Growth: In the vicinity of the Haram of Hazrat Ma’sooma and within the environment of Hawza Islamic knowledge, students will benefit from personal guidance of teachers and mentors to help them with spiritual growth and self-development.
  • Skill Development and Community Engagement: Students will be trained with important skills for personal development (teaching, management, IT skills, public speaking, and much more) coupled with a sense of responsibility towards the Muslim community. These will be taught through practical workshops, helping students also build leadership skills, teamwork and management.
  • Hawza Experience: Students will gain a first hand experience of life in the Hawza, interacting with teachers and mentors, whilst building lasting friendships.

Course Students

The course is open to brothers and sisters (subject to quota), ideally between the ages of 20 and 35.

Requirements

Necessary

  • Capacity and strong motivation to study Islam in a Hawza environment
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written)
  • Adherence to Islamic values and principles
  • Ability to engage and interact socially with others in a group setting

Ideal

  • Islamic knowledge background
  • Active community involvement

Accomodation And Meals

  • The course will take place at the Bab al-Ridha Institute (for brothers) and Jamia al-Zahra (for sisters), in the holy city of Qum, near the Haram of Sayyida Ma’sooma (a).
  • Accommodation for single students: Comfortable shared Hawza dorms (6 to 8 per room) within close distance to the Haram and the Institute. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for course participants.
  • Accommodation for families: Whilst the course does not include family accommodation, the Institute can assist with finding suitable rental house

Course Price

Full Package

$5000 USD per person

  • Academic program
  • Mentorship
  • Trips (including Mashhad)
  • Shared accommodation
  • Meals
  • Basic transport
  • Sports
  • Medical insurance
  • Visa renewal

Note: International flights and entry visas are not included.

Family Package

$2200 USD per person

  • Academic program
  • Mentorship
  • Local ( + Tehran) trips
  • Sports
  • Medical insurance
  • Visa renewal

Note: Accommodation and meals are not included.