Ahsan Gap Year

Many things are searched for in life, but the Ahsan Course made them easier and clearer. Truly, it is among the blessings that exist under the sun. Personally, many sources have given me happiness before, but the Ahsan Course cannot be removed from my heart as a unique source of that happiness.

This is because of the brotherhood I found, the experience I gained through working on different projects together, shared mubahatha, time in the park together, football together, judo sports together—as a means of strengthening both our faith and our bodies—shared jokes, and people who chose peace over revenge.

What pains me is that there are places we went to together that we will not go to again, because the Ahsan course has ended. It will hurt to visit them alone. Nothing hurts more than being away from someone who, every time you met them, would smile even before saying salam. It pains me even more when I remember the guardians and mentors who gave their lives for the sake of Allah, to guide those who were ready to walk His path, and those burdened with challenges and countless questions in their minds—without conditions, without excuses of being busy. It is like flying colors that I always see on Mount Everest.

This is the Ahsan Course. Tell your brother or sister: if they ever get the opportunity to come to Qom, after visiting the Haram of Bibi Ma’suma (peace be upon her), they should not forget to ask where the Ahsan Course is held. Because it is more than just a place—it is a direction for life. Thinking will change, experience will increase, and one’s stance and perspective will grow stronger. May Allah bless every soul that longs to taste the sweetness of the Ahsan Course. May Allah protect all those who dedicated themselves to guiding the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.w.w.s).

The age gap actually makes zero difference. We are all on a path to Allah (SWT) – a journey I now realise is not time-bound. I’ve also learnt about scholars who began their own journeys much later, which has given me comfort as I start my own.

So, apart from my classmates insisting on calling me ‘Uncle,’ I feel at home! AHSAN has catered to all my needs and I have made friendships that I’ll carry with me for life. I’m only 2.5 months in at the time of writing and I have already learnt things that have deeply impacted my life.

I now understand my main purpose and aim in life, but, crucially, AHSAN is giving me the practical steps to take action and fulfil it. That alone has been worth it. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the course plays out.

I am confident I will have everything I need to continue my journey to Allah (SWT) after AHSAN, wherever that may be. If you have been putting off Islamic studies because you think you are too old, let me tell you something – you are not! If you’re over 35 and reading this, take this as your sign to start!

Our Ustad told us that the eight of us girls were hand-picked by Imam Zamana (atfs) and chosen to come to Iran to increase our knowledge.

Hearing this made me feel incredibly special and motivated me to work towards our real goal. We studied amazing subjects that helped build a strong foundation, and we continue strengthening it every day.

These topics were taught by different scholars, all with an expansive level of knowledge. Alongside building our academic foundation, we also had mentors who felt more like friends. They taught us valuable life skills that will benefit us both now and in the future.

Not to forget the amazing BBQs and the beautiful bonds I formed, memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. Truly, when you have mentors like them, growing positively on your spiritual journey becomes so much easier.

Although this course may sound long, the timetable keeps you engaged and prevents any idleness. There is always something meaningful to do, and honestly, time passes really fast.

So, to my dear brothers and sisters reading this: taking these eight months as a gap year is absolutely worth it. And of course, I can’t forget the ice-cream treats and van rides, they were my favourite. A special thanks to Shaykh Raheel.

It felt like the perfect opportunity: a chance to experience life in Iran while strengthening and grounding my Islamic beliefs. What I found at AHSAN exceeded my expectations.

Beyond structured lessons, the environment itself was transformative with daily interactions with knowledgeable sheikhs, open discussions, and constant opportunities to ask questions and reflect.

The program carefully balances spiritual growth, intellectual development, and practical life skills, all while remaining relevant to the needs of today’s society. The trips, lessons, and activities were thoughtfully designed to nurture faith with a lot of fun expectances.

For any young person willing to dedicate a year to fully immersing themselves in the true essence of Islam, this course is truly invaluable. It has been an unforgettable journey, and I sincerely pray that I am able to carry these lessons back home and use them in service of my community.

True growth does not come from rushing ahead; it comes from aligning where you are going with who you are becoming. This is where AHSAN Gap Year finds its place.

It exists for those who are willing to pause, reflect, and rebuild with purpose. Rather than pushing you forward blindly, AHSAN helps you step back, gain clarity, and move ahead with intention and confidence. Coming to AHSAN changed my outlook on life. It encouraged me to reflect, question, and live more consciously.

It is not simply a place to study it is an environment that quietly reshapes how you think, live, and grow. One of the strongest experiences here has been the sense of brotherhood. Learning alongside others who are on the same journey creates a bond that goes beyond the classroom.

Conversations are honest, support is real, and growth becomes something shared rather than faced alone. This environment pushes you to improve, not out of pressure, but out of inspiration. AHSAN has helped me slow down and become more aware of my choices, intentions, and direction in life.

Through reflection, discipline, and daily interaction, I have grown more grounded and confident in who I am becoming. It is an experience that does not just prepare you for what comes next it reshapes how you walk towards it.

If you are standing at a crossroads, unsure which path to take, AHSAN offers more than education it offers direction, purpose, and the tools to grow into a stronger, wiser, and more grounded version of yourself. A gap year doesn’t have to be empty; with AHSAN, it can become a year that truly matters.