The Short Vacation Course (SVC) is a summer course for youth to Iraq and The Islamic Republic of Iran. It was started with the objective of giving our youth a more suitable environment to learn their religion. Our experience has shown that whilst living in some countries in the West it is often difficult to acquire moral values of Islam.

Hence the Al-Asr organisation devised a simple plan to take our children to a more healthy and Islamic environment to let them get in touch with and learn more about their religion. By the Grace of Allah, these annual trips have proven to be immensely successful.

Since 1993 the SVC has been held annually and thousands of youth have participated from United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, France, Sweden, Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Not only do the youth learn about Islam, they both feel it and they live it. Many hearts are humbled at the tombs of the Imams (as), many are moved at the shrine of Hazrat Masuma (sa), many a tear falls at the cemetery of martyrs in Tehran (Beheshte Zahra).

Other than the classes, which are held everyday, ziyarats and sightseeing activities give our youth the opportunity to meet and interact with Muslim friends from around the world. These friendships and memories, as we have witnessed, last a lifetime.

Accommodation, food, transportation (within Iraq and Iran) are taken care of by the Al-Asr organisation. The group usually visits Najaf, Karbala, Kadhmain, Samarra, Mashhad, Tehran and Qom. Afterwards depending on the arrangement, it may also be possible to visit other well known cities.

Hujjatul Islam Maulana Sabzwary who is the head of the Al-Asr organization in London, is in charge of this caravan. He stays with the group and takes care of all the participants. 

During the course, staff in Iraq and Iran accompany the group. The group is usually accompanied by a nurse for medical attention.