On Marvels of the Heart: A Study of Book 21 of the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn

On The Marvels of the Heart A Study of Book 21 of the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn 
We are excited to announce our upcoming Weekend Retreat, which will be held on February 14-16 titled On the Marvels of the Heart, a study of Book 21 of Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences).  Book 21, which concerns the heart, is extremely important as it introduces the second half of the Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, which looks at blameworthy characteristics (Books 23-30) and virtuous character traits (Books 31-40), respectively.  Humans are honored and distinguished from the rest of creation because it is through the heart that humans have the greatest capacity to know Allah the Exalted. It is the heart that knows Allah, works for Allah, strives towards Allah, and draws close to Allah. The limbs and other organs are followers, servants, and tools that the heart uses. It is the heart, therefore, that obeys or disobeys Allah, and one’s good or bad outward character results from the heart’s darkness or light. Indeed, Allah tells us that our ultimate destiny, whether we are felicitous or wretched, depends on the condition of our heart: “On the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any help. Only those who come to Allah with a sound heart [will be saved]. [Quran 26:88-89]  In Imam al-Ghazali’s The Marvels of the Heart, he explains in detail about the heart, including its central role in human existence, its four levels and its relationship to the spirit (ruh), ego (nafs), and intellect (‘aql), its qualities, its simile to a mirror, how shaytan gains access to one’s heart, and how the heart makes decisions, including the three types of thoughts and what leads to either good or bad actions.  

We welcome you to join us in learning about what makes us human and elevates us above all other creation in what we pray will be a weekend filled with abundant blessings as we acquire knowledge and spend time in devotion together. 

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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: $140
Student Registration: $110 (Note: Must be officially registered with student I.D.)

** Note: There is no Saturday Only registration option for this retreat. **
If you need any assistance covering the retreat fee please reach out to programs@almaqasid.org 

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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 (for those who register) closer to the weekend of the retreat.

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

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CHILDCARE:
Child Care (Ages 3-5) = $60/child *
Children's Program (Ages 6-10) = $75/child
Childcare, children and youth program will be available Saturday & Sunday based on registration. Fees below include the entire weekend.

* Please note for child care (Ages 3-5) 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.

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MEALS:
Continental Breakfast: (Sat & Sun)
Lunch: (Sat & Sun)
Dinner: (Fri, Sat)
Note: If you have any dietary restrictions please indicate this on your registration form.

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ARRIVAL:
Attendees should plan to arrive on the evening of Friday, February 14th at 5:00pm. Program ends Sunday afternoon, February 16th at 5:00pm. Please allow enough time to register and receive your name badge (15-20 mins).

Airports close by:
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) - Distance 18.5 Miles (25 mins)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - Distance 88.1 Miles (1.25 hours)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - Distance 64.5 Miles (1.5 hours)
John F. Kennedy International Airpot (JFK) - Distance 122 Miles (2.5 hours)

NOTE: We are not able to offer airport transport or onsite accommodations 

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ACCOMODATIONS:
Unfortunately 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 - Distance 4.6 miles
Fairfield Inn & Suites Allentown West - Distance 4.6 miles
Hyatt Place Allentown - Distance 4.8 miles
Wingate by Wyndham Allentown - Distance 5.6 miles

Note: Al-Maqasid is not affiliated with any of the above hotels and listing them here does not indicate an endorsement.

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For more information and to register visit https://www.almaqasid.org/on-the-marvels-of-the-heart