The article discusses the al-Hawza al-Ilmiyya, a center of Shi'ite Islamic scholarship located in the holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala, south of Baghdad. For over a millennium, it has been training clerics who lead Shi'ite communities globally. The article highlights the repression of Shi'ites under Saddam Hussein and their rise to political power in Iraq after his overthrow in 2003. It details the rigorous educational process for clerics, which includes at least ten years of study in various Islamic disciplines. The Najaf school alone has over 1000 students and a faculty of about 90 teachers. The piece also provides a glimpse into the daily life and activities of the students and clerics at the institution.

The article recounts the events in Mosul, Iraq, following its liberation from ISIS on June 24, 2017. It focuses on the emotional return of Abdullah Aljoubori, the former imam of Badush Mosque, to his hometown after three years of displacement due to the war. The piece vividly describes the moment Abdullah sees the mosque again, highlighting the deep connection and relief he feels upon returning. The story also observes the resilience and positivity of the people of Mosul as they move back, reopen stores, and resume their daily lives, including children who quickly adapt by returning to their usual activities.