Awakening 2025 - Uzbekistan

Awakening 2025 - Uzbekistan with Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq

10-17 June 2025 | 7 nights

Embark on an unforgettable journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery with us to Uzbekistan, the heart of Central Asia where centuries-old Islamic heritage comes alive. This retreat invites you to explore the timeless wisdom of Imām al-Ghazālī’s magnum opus, Kīmiyā-yi Saʿādat — The Alchemy of Happiness.

Guided by the principles of Tazkiyat al-Nafs (purification of the soul) and Islamic Psychological concepts, this retreat is designed to nurture a profound inner journey. Delve into Imām al-Ghazālī’s teachings on self-knowledge, the nature of the soul, and the path to true felicity through dedicated study sessions, group discussions, and personal reflection.

Set against the serene and spiritually charged landscapes of Uzbekistan, the retreat weaves classical Islamic wisdom with Islamic psychological insights. Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq will guide participants in bridging Ghazali’s profound spiritual concepts with practical applications for modern life. Through his engaging sessions, you will reflect on themes of inner transformation, the purification of the heart and the alignment of the soul with its divine purpose. Perfect for those seeking personal growth, spiritual depth, and a unique cultural immersion, this retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to embody the teachings of Kīmiyā-yi Saʿādat while experiencing the rich heritage of Uzbekistan’s sacred sites.

Itinerary Highlights: A Journey of Discovery and Connection

Tashkent: The Gateway to Spiritual Roots
In the vibrant capital, we will visit the esteemed Mushaf of Sayyidunā ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه, one of the oldest copies of the Qur’an, a testament to the enduring legacy of divine guidance. We will also reflect at the revered Mosque of Shaykh Muḥammad Ṣādiq Muḥammad Yūsuf, a beacon of modern Islamic thought, grounding our journey in the present while connecting us to the past.

Samarkand: The City of Splendor and Scholarship
In this iconic city, immerse yourself in the sacred and intellectual heritage of Islam. We will stand in awe at the Maqām of Quthm ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه, who first brought Islam to the region, and pay homage at the resting places of Imām Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī, the founder of the Māturīdī school of theology, and Imām Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl al-Bukhārī, the great compiler of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Our visit to the stunning Registan Square will reflect the harmony of beauty, devotion, and knowledge, offering an inspiring backdrop for moments of Dhikr and reflection.

Bukhara: The Dome of Islam
Known as the “Dome of Islam,” Bukhara will deepen our connection with Islamic spirituality. We will visit the Maqām of Imām Bahāʾ al-Dīn Naqshband, whose teachings of the Naqshbandi Sufi order embody the essence of mindfulness and remembrance of Allah. The Madrasa of Mir-i ʿArab and the Po-i Kalan complex will further immerse us in the city's profound legacy of scholarship and devotion.

Retreat Experience: Integrating Knowledge and Practice

This retreat goes beyond historical exploration, offering a holistic experience that blends learning, reflection, and spiritual practice. Through traditional study circles, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and moments of personal introspection, participants will be guided toward the essence of Ghazali’s wisdom: the purification of the soul, aligning one’s inner self with divine purpose, and achieving true happiness (saʿādah).

What is included:

• Classes with Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq

• 4 star accommodation
  - Tashkent: Ramada Wyndham Hotel (2 nights)
  - Samarkand: Emir Han Hotel (2 nights)
  - Bukhara: Sahid Zarafshon Hotel (3 nights)

• All meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner

•  All ground transport including bus, high speed trains and airport transfers within Uzbekistan

• Experienced English speaking tour guide

• Entry to monuments and other sites in the itinerary

• Access to Retreat Welfare team for the duration of the week

What is not included:

• Flights

• Insurance

Additional details:

• Optional activities at additional cost: Hammam in Tashkent

• All rooms will be separated by gender, except where double rooms have been requested for couples

• If you are booking a couples room please select 2 spaces at the time of booking

• You will need to book a flight arriving into Tashkent airport and departing from Samarkand airport. Suggested flight schedules will be shared with you (UK flight suggestions provided only - guests from other countries will need to research own flights)

• All attendees will be invited to scheduled Zoom meetings before travel, where full itineraries and further details will be provided

• Full payment is required before 9th May 2025

• This trip will involve a considerable amount of walking therefore possibly not suitable for those with limited mobility issues

• Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions on the registration form at the time of booking your space/s

• A non-refundable deposit of £500 is required to secure your place. Payment details will be sent out to you with the booking confirmation page. Please note your space is not guaranteed/confirmed until payment has been made

• Early bird pricing: twin/double room £1495 per person | single occupancy room £1745 per person

• Standard pricing: twin/double room £1595 per person | single occupancy room £1845 per person

• Early bird price runs up until 15 January 2025

PLEASE NOTE YOUR BOOKING WILL BE HELD FOR 48 HOURS TO ALLOW TIME FOR PAYMENT TO BE MADE. AFTER THIS TIME IT WILL BE RELEASED IF PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED

IF FOR ANY REASON THE RETREAT IS CANCELLED BY THE LANTERN INITIATIVE A FULL REFUND WILL BE PROCESSED FOR ALL FUNDS PAID

About Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq:

Mohammed Isaaq is the founder and instructor of the Knowing Yourself programmes, and a graduate of the Islamic Psychology Diploma at Cambridge Muslim College. He is a self-development specialist and a teacher.

Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan and Yemen. Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching Islamic medicine, theology and Arabic alongside other community projects and has now delivered his self development and behavioural psychology programmes in over 40 countries to a worldwide audience of over 30,000 participants! Find out more about Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq here