The
Dowra is a summer course that Dar al Mustafa conducts every year since 1415
(1995). Since only a few people will be able to study long term in Dar al
Mustafa or Dar al Zahra, the Dowra was set up to give more people the
opportunity to receive a portion of the Prophetic methodology upon which the
Dar was established.
2.
What are the preparations to be made to go there?
The
Dowra is a spiritual journey. We remind students that you may not find things
as you expect them to be and that every student will be tested in different
ways. We ask students to look beyond human and material limitations so that you
are able to obtain true spiritual benefit, which will last for an eternity.
Being flexible, open to new ideas and routines will immensely enhance your
experience.
3.
How much is the Dowra fee? What is the mode of payment?
TBA. The
Dowra fee to paid upon arrival at Dar al Mustafa. Last year, the Dowra fee was
(10000 YR) ten thousand Yemeni Riyals. For this year, the Administration of the
Dowra has not decided the fee yet due to the instability of
the prices in the country. but the fees will be between (12000
YR to 18000 YR) twelve thousand to eighteen thousand Yemeni Riyals.
4.
How is the accommodation?
Students
should be aware that the Dowra is not intended as a holiday retreat, and
therefore accommodation will be modest. However, every effort is made to ensure
students are made comfortable during their stay.
All
single participants will be accommodated inside the Dar sharing rooms (each
room takes 10 to 12 participants), sharing bathrooms, siting only on the
ground, and sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor.
The
protocols of the Dowra do not allow any student to live outside the Dar
accommodation unless he is married and his wife is present with him, or if he
is living with one or both of his parents (if they need special assistance and
care).
5.
What can I expect to gain from the experience?
The
Dowra is an extension of the regular academic program and is an opportunity for
students of knowledge to grasp these core principles:
*
Seeking sacred knowledge (`ilm)
*
Spiritual wayfaring (suluk)
*
Calling to Allah (da`wah).
The
course is not a camp, social gathering, nor an open discussion forum. Rather it
is designed to present students with a serious opportunity to learn aspects of
their religion that the Lawgiver out of His Wisdom has made incumbent upon
them. It is also an opportunity to purify oneself and draw closer to Allah and
His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
6.
How long is the Dowra?
The
Dowra takes place over 40 days. This time period has special properties, which
are mentioned both in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. In addition, if someone is
consistent in doing something for this period, it is likely to become a firm
habit; and we pray you can continue to implement what you habituate during your
Dowra experience.
7.
In what languages will the sessions be held?
Lessons
will be in Arabic, however translation into English will be provided for the
participants from the West.
8.
How are the sessions conducted?
Lessons
are conducted in accordance to the timetable provided by Dar al Mustafa.
9.
Is it safe to come to Yemen in the current climate?
There is
some political instability in the region and trouble exists in certain areas.
These areas, however, are not close to the Hadramawt region (where Tarim is
situated) and throughout the recent troubles, Hadramawt has hardly been
affected. In fact Dar al Mustafa receives hundreds of students and visitors
every year and the number is increasing.
10.
I wish to attend the Dowra and then carry on studying in Tarim. What should I
do?
This
year the study at Dar al Mustafa will simultaneously start with the Dowra.
Therefore, a student need to choose between either the academic study or the
Dowra. The Dowra is actually provided for those who cannot join the academic
study, while those who wish to join the academic study do not need to join the
Dowra as there will be clashes in the timetables of the lessons for the Dowra
and the academic study.
Alternatively,
those who wish to join the academic study in Dar al Mustafa need to apply
directly to Dar al Mustafa by filling their online application from:
https://form.jotformeu.com/70414686816361
11.
Can you provide separate accommodation for families and married couples?
Dar al
Mustafa will do their best to accommodate families and married couples during
the Dowra, although resources are limited. For family accomodation, please
write to prdaralmustafa@gmail.com.
12.
Can one bring their children and is there some kind of place to have them
during the lectures?
Parents
are welcomed to bring their children. There will be childcare facilities
available so the mother of the children who wish to put their children in the
childcare need to make arrangement with the administration of Dar al
Zahra upon arrival.
13.
Am I able to make my own way and my own arrangements to attend this Dowra?
You can
make your own way and your own arrangements to attend the Dowra, but all
students must still apply for the Dowra.
14.
I am over 40. Would The Dowra be suitable for me?
Based on
past experiences, some students (especially older ones), have found the Dowra
accommodation and living conditions as well as the intensity of the course to
be quite challenging. For example, students sleep on thin mattresses on the
floor, share rooms with up to ten or twelve other students, share bathrooms and
sit only on the ground. The food is also limited in variety compared to what
you will be accustomed to.
15.
Can students under 18 years of age attend?
All
applicants must be over the age of 18 years and wish to attend of their own
free will, i.e. not coerced.
16.
Can I attend part of the course only, and will I be able to travel back to my
country or visit parts of Tarim and Yemen other than what the Dowra has
organised?
Students
wishing to receive the full spiritual benefit should remain for the full 40
days program. If you are unable to do so, then it is possible to attend part of
the course and then travel back to your country, or (if your visa permits) you
are free to plan your own individual activities. Please note that making visits
to other parts of Yemen is not recommended in the current climate.
17.
I hear there are always difficulties traveling to Yemen, is this true?
Unfortunately
we often have difficulties obtaining visas from the Yemeni authorities to suit
our timing. Flights may also be cancelled unexpectedly. We ask applicants to be
patient. We are hopeful that things will run smoothly this year.
18.
Will I have easy and continued access to the internet to keep in touch with
work and family?
Internet
is available, but the connections can be sporadic and slow at times. The
best way to keep in touch is through text messages from your phone. It is best
to come psychologically prepared to lay back, experience a different kind of
life and strengthen your spiritual connections. In cases of necessity, we will
facilitate you having access to the internet the best we can.
19.
What is the climate like; I hear it is very hot?
The
climate is very hot and dry; however we do our utmost to provide facilities to
make things as comfortable as possible for all. Our experience over the years
reflects that most students are able to manage the climate. Please note if
you feel you may have issues relating to such climate conditions then we
recommend that you take appropriate medical advice before applying.
20.
Is the Dowra really that intensive?
The
Dowra is relatively intensive and most of the students' time is occupied with
classes or revision, or meetings with the scholars. The climate is
also very hot and difficult to bear, which makes the course all the more
difficult. Students in the past, however, have all risen to the challenge and
reaped the fruits of their efforts.