QUESTION: Is it safe to come to Yemen in the current climate?

QUESTION: I wish to attend the Dowra and then carry on studying in Tarim. What should I do?

You need to apply for the Dowra and also apply to study in Dar al-Mustafa or Dar al-Zahra. See www.tarim.shifa.net.au for details. The most important thing is that you enter Yemen on a study visa.

QUESTION: Can you provide separate accommodation for families and married couples?

ANSWER: Accommodation in Tarim is extremely limited. For that reason we cannot promise to provide accommodation for families. Please write to biatul_mustafa@hotmail.com for more information.

QUESTION: Can students under 18yrs of age attend? 

ANSWER: One of our conditions for acceptance is that all applicants must be over the age of 18 years and wish to attend of their own free will, i.e. not forced by their parents. 

QUESTION: I am over 40. Would The Dowra be suitable for me? 

ANSWER: Based on our experiences over the years, some (especially older) students have found that Dowra accommodation and living conditions as well as the intensity of the course to be very difficult. For example, students sleep on thin mattresses on the floor, share rooms with multiple students, share bathrooms and sit only on the ground as well as a lack of variety of foods. However we can try to find other accommodation on request.

QUESTION: Are women are allowed to come without mahrams?   

ANSWER: If it can be avoided it is better. If you can travel with other sisters that may be attending the course from near your area or country, this is preferred. We would give you the contact details of any sisters that are traveling from your area / country, thus you can liaise with them. We hope that all students from the UK will travel as a group. If you are traveling from a different country then we will attempt to put you in touch with other people coming from the same country.      

QUESTION: Can one bring their children and is there some kind of place to have them during the lectures?

ANSWER: Unfortunately facilities are limited. Please write to biatul_mustafa@hotmail.com for more information.

QUESTION Can I attend part of the course only, and will I be able to visit parts of Tarim and Yemen other than what the Dowra has organised?

ANSWER: We advise people to attend the full course to obtain full benefit. However, if you are unable to do so, then it is possible to attend part of the course. Visits within Hadramawt can be arranged. Making visits to other parts of Yemen is not recommended in the current climate.

QUESTION: I hear there are always difficulties traveling to Yemen, is this true?

ANSWER: 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.

QUESTION: What is the climate like; I hear it is very hot?

ANSWER: This is correct the climate is very hot and dry, and can be unbearable at times; however we do our utmost to provide facilities to make it as comfortable as possible for all. Our experience over the 5 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.

QUESTION: Is the Dowra really THAT intensive?

ANSWER: The Dowra is relatively intensive and most of the students' time is occupied with classes or revision, trips, 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.