The spiritually uplifting journey of visiting the Maʿṣūmīn and their families is also a very transformative experience. As mentioned in the Illustrated Ziyārah Guide to Iraq, when visiting the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) we feel closer to them and have an increased love for them and that will lead us to want to be like them.  One can feel like a changed person internally. This can also reflect on the individual’s relationship with their family, community and the world. Additionally, the experience of going to ziyārah with close ones can be a bonding experience. This blog post features experiences from individuals who went for ziyārah this past December and how this journey strengthened their bonds with their families and friends