On Spiritual Retreat: A Study of Book 16 of the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn

We are excited to announce our upcoming Weekend Retreat, which will be held on February 9-11 titled On Spiritual Retreat, a study of Book 16 of Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences).

Among scholars and spiritual masters, opinions differ greatly over which is better: spiritual retreat or keeping the company of others. For example, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked, "How can salvation be achieved?" He ﷺ replied, "Control your tongue, keep to your house, and weep over your sins." Another time, the Prophet was asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Which of the people is best?" The Prophet ﷺ replied: "One who strives with himself and his wealth in the cause of Allah." The questioner then asked: "Then who, O Messenger of Allah?" He ﷺ said: "Then a believer [isolating himself] in one of the mountain passes, who fears Allah and spares the people his evil." Additionally, in the Quran both Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Musa (peace be upon them) mention secluding themselves from others to protect their faith (see Quran 19:48 and 44:21, respectively). On the other hand, the Prophet ﷺ also said, "The believer is intimate and easy to keep company with, and there is no good in the one who is not intimate and with whom it is not easy to keep company."

In Imam al-Ghazali’s book On Spiritual Retreat, he discusses the arguments for keeping company and those for solitude, the benefits of spiritual retreat, the benefits of keeping company, and other factors that shed light on this debate and should be considered when deciding what to do. 

We welcome you to join us in exploring this issue that impacts every Muslim’s practice in what we pray will be a weekend filled with abundant blessings as we acquire knowledge and spend time in devotion together.

Isra' & Mi'raj 

This year the blessed occasion of Isra' & Mi'raj coincides with our retreat weekend. We are excited to announce we will be commemorating Isra' & Mi'raj with a special program as a part of the retreat weekend. The program will commence Saturday evening with talks from special guest speakers and a reading of the mawlid. 

IMPORTANT: YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER FOR THE ISRA & MIRAJ EVENT. YOUR RETREAT REGISTRATION INCLUDES THE ISRA & MIRAJ EVENT.

CHILD CARE & YOUTH PROGRAM:
In addition to the typical programming of an Al-Maqasid Weekend Retreat, childcare, children and youth program will be available Saturday & Sunday based on registration.

Child Care: Ages 3-5*
Children: Ages 6-8
Youth: Ages 9-12

* Please note for child care each child should be accompanied with a spare change of clothes as well as a set of diapers if not potty trained. Nursing children and children under 3 should be accompanied by their parents at all times.

REGISTRATION:
The registration cost covers meals and full access to all retreat programming (please see below for information regarding accommodations). The registration fees are as follows:

• General Registration (Friday-Sunday): $120
• Saturday only $60
• Child Care $60/child for entire weekend
• Children's Program: $75/child for entire weekend
• Youth Program: $75/child for entire weekend
  
  

Meals
Continental Breakfast: (Sat & Sun)
Lunch: (Sat & Sun)
Dinner: (Fri & Sat)

Registration closes when are at capacity OR by February 5th. We encourage you to register sooner than later to guarantee your place.

ARRIVAL:
Attendees should plan to arrive on the evening of Friday, February 9th at 5:45pm and depart on Sunday afternoon, February 11th at 4:00pm. Please allow enough time to register and receive your name badge.

Directions & Parking: https://www.almaqasid.org/directions

ACCOMMODATIONS:
We are not able to offer on-site accommodations at this time. We recommend that you arrange lodging at one of the nearby hotels. Here is a short-list of local hotels in the area:

• Homewood Suites Allentown-West/Fogelsville
• Wingate by Wyndham Allentown
• Staybridge Suites Allentown West
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Allentown West
• Hyatt Place Allentown
  

ONLINE ATTENDANCE:
For those who are unable to attend in person or who prefer online please register and select the online attendance option. It is free to attend online and a link will be sent out closer to the weekend of the retreat.

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at almaqasid@almaqasid.org