On Conduct in Travel: A Study of Book 17 of the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn

We are excited to announce our upcoming Weekend Retreat, which will be held on April 19-21 titled On Conduct in Travel, a study of Book 17 of Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences).

According to Imam al- Ghazali, a traveler is either seeking something or fleeing from something, and it could be for an outward or inward reason. Indeed, in the Quran, Allah encourages travel for a variety of reasons: for example, “Say [Muhammad], ‘Roam the earth, and observe how He originated the creation.’” [Quran 29:20], and “Have they not journeyed through the land, and seen the outcome for those before them?” [Quran 40:82]

While traveling has both worldly and spiritual benefits, it has hardships as well. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Traveling is a torment because it deprives a traveler of his food, drink, and sleep.” Accordingly, Allah in His All-Encompassing Mercy affords a traveler certain concessions to make the journey easier.

In Imam al-Ghazali’s On Conduct in Travel, he discusses the different types of traveling, the etiquettes of traveling, and six legal mitigations granted the traveler.

We welcome you to join us in exploring this often overlooked, but important, issue in what we pray will be a weekend filled with abundant blessings as we acquire knowledge and spend time in devotion together.

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 (Ages 3-5) $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 we are at capacity OR by April 15th. We encourage you to register sooner than later to guarantee your place.

ARRIVAL:
Attendees should plan to arrive on the evening of Friday, April 19th at 5:45pm and depart on Sunday afternoon, April 21st 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