We welcome everyone to come and study on-site in Nabbāghiyyah, Mauritania.
We recommend reading the following information carefully before embarking on your potentially life-changing journey with us.
Important
Visa is no longer upon arrival. You must obtain an entry Visa before you are allowed to board your flight. You can apply for the visa on the following website: https://anrpts.gov.mr/en?
NEW Student Arrival Essentials Package
We have gathered some essentials in this package to make life a little easier for students of knowledge.
Included in the package:
Letter of Invitation
You will receive the letter of invitation digitally.
Airport Pickup
Transportation from Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport to your temporary accommodation.
Accommodation
One week of lodging, giving you time to settle in and secure long-term housing.
Meals Provided
Daily meals for one week
After placing the order you will receive the WhatsApp number for Shaykh Mishrī, who will be your primary contact on-site. Please note that Arabic is required as all communication with Shaykh Mishrī will be in Arabic.
Important Information
The package must be purchased at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Travelers are required to possess a valid e-visa upon arrival.
Refund Policy
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before arrival: Subject to a €15 processing fee.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before arrival: Subject to a €75 cancellation fee.
Cancellations made after arrival: Non-refundable.
Please note that this package only includes the services explicitly listed above. It does not include e-visas, airline tickets, or any other travel-related documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in person in Nabbāghiyyah? Answer: Yes. Travelling to the Mahdara to study in person is generally preferred over online studies. The scholars at the Mahdara welcome everyone to come and study – and they do their best to make it easy for students.
What are the requirements? Answer: There are no formal requirements. However, it is very important that you can converse in basic Arabic.
Is it a requirement that I can speak Arabic? Answer: In most cases, it is necessary that the student can understand Arabic before traveling to Nabbaghiyyah. Some students are successful in learning Arabic in the village – but for most students, it can be a challenge to find someone to teach them Arabic. Children will generally learn Arabic by mingling with other children – but we highly recommend that adults have a solid foundation in Arabic before continuing their studies in Nabbaghiyyah. We recommend that you begin your studies online at first and complete at least the takallum course + al-Ājurrūmiyyah. For more information, click here.
How about COVID-19? Answer: The Mahdara is open for everyone. Travellers should however always keep up to date with official rules and restrictions.
How far is the village (Nabbaghiyyah) from the airport in Nouakchott? Answer: Approximately 2,5 hours by car.
How can I get from the airport to the Mahdara? Answer: There are cars that leave Nouakchott towards Nabbaghiyyah every day. These are tradesmen who are happy to take passengers with them for around $5 USD. Usually, they leave around the following times: 12 pm (noon), 2:30 pm and 4 pm. When you arrive have retrieved your luggage, just ask for transport to Nabbaghiyyah. If all fails, you can call the contact number (see the bottom of the page).
How much does it cost to study? Answer: It’s free to study at the Mahdara in Nabbaghiyyah – there are zero tuition fees.
What are the costs of living? Answer: This varies according to your lifestyle, but usually between $200-400 USD per month including rent and food. Accommodation usually costs around $100 USD per month for 1-3 rooms (with kitchen and bathroom). The apartments are not furnished, but you can get the essentials nearby. Everyone cooks for themselves and some have groups where they take turns. Sometimes it’s possible to find accommodation for $50 USD if you are travelling alone. For students on a budget, one should expect that food will cost $150 USD per month. For students who cannot afford that, lunch and supper come from the Shaykhs house every day for around 150-200 students. Some students also build their own tents.
Is there electricity and an internet connection? Answer: There is usually electricity from 8 am to 12 am-midnight (18 hours). This covers most of the waking hours. Nabbaghiyyah recently has 3G network which costs around $2.75 USD for 2.5 GB (Mauritel sim card), which will last around a week depending on usage. The 3G network is unstable and cuts off very often. It is very difficult to stream videos.
Where do I start my studies? Answer: Shaykh Mukhtār is in charge of this area and the student will receive instructions on which book to start with.
Can I start any time of the year? Answer: Yes. The scholars teach in small circles. When a new student joins, the Shaykh will teach the student and take turns according to the progress. The students are also taught in groups if their progress is the same.
Can I do hifz/hifdh (memorization) of the Qur’ān? Answer: Yes. This is not part of the Mahdara curriculum per se. It will usually be done by you finding a group.
Are there shops nearby? Answer: Yes, there are shops everywhere for most
of the things you need.
Can I earn a wage? Answer: Some students find work in construction (if they have knowledge in this field) or do khidmah in houses (such as washing clothes) to earn a small wage. The easiest way is to have a savings before coming to study, so one can focus solely on the studies.
How far is the nearest hospital? Answer: There are doctors in the village and there is also a small hospital. For childbirth, when the time nears, one usually goes to Nouakchott, which is 2 hours away.