In the Early Hours Weekend Retreat

25 - 27 JANUARY

2019

The Markfield

Institute of

Higher Education

Ratby lane

Markfield

LE67 9SY

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

WHAT TO BRING

“The hope of a meaningful

future must lead us to

confront the risks and

overcome the tribulations

that lie in living by His will in

the totality of our existence”

Ustath Khurram Murad

OVERVIEW

This retreat is organised by Manchester ISoc with the support of the Islamic Foundation, Leicester.

It features keynote speakers, workshops, and discussions on spiritual and self-development for University students and graduates.

It provides a space for participants to gain knowledge, reconnect with their peers, and grapple with their experiences as British Muslims.

باب ﴾ل أولي ال

أيات ل

هار ل

ل والن يأ

ف الل

تل

أض واخ رأ

أماوات وال ق الس

لي خ

ف ﴿ إن

( Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding )

Al-Imran 3:190

This retreat is part of a wider course entitled “Islam for Critical Thinkers” - a 6 months Islamic Studies Course currently being held at the University of Manchester, UK (October 2018 to march 2019). It involves 18 Weekly sessions (2hrs each) as well as this residential retreat. This residential retreat, based on the book In the Early Hours by Khurram Murad, explores the goal of the believer – the single-minded desire to seek the good pleasure of God.

7.00pm -8.00pm

Arrival, Registration & Dinner

8.00pm -8.30pm

Welcome & Programme Ice Breaker Aims and Learning Outcomes Introduction

8.30pm -9.45pm

SESSION 1 The Value of the Early Morning Tools for Quranic Engagement Workshop Group Project: Study of Selected Quranic Ayat Developing your own PDP

9.45pm -10.00pm

Salatul Maghrib and Isha

ITINERARY

FRIDAY

5.30am Wake up and preparation for Prayer

6.00am - 6.45am

Salatul Fajr, Quranic reflection & morning Dhikr NASIHAH 1: Living the Book

6.45am - 7.30am

Rest

7.30am - 8.30am

Breakfast

8.30am - 9.30am

SESSION 2: 7 Principles of Personal Transformation The session explores the goal of the believer – the single-mindeded desire to seek the good please of God. It then explores key Quranic principles of Self Develop-ment.

9.30am - 10.30am

SESSION 3: Living a life of Remembrance What exactly is Dhikr? Why is it considered the greatest deed? What are the 4 methods of sustained awareness of Allah? What are the specific methods gifted to us by God individual and collective remembrance?

10.30am - 11.00am

Tea Break

11.00am - 12.00pm

SESSION 4: Workshop- What does it mean to love Allah?

12.00pm - 1.00pm

SESSION 5: Sunnah: Relevance and Application in today’s Society What exactly is Sunnah? Why is Sunnah important and what is its position in a be-liever’s life? How does one differentiate between religious and cultural mandates? How do we understand and follow the Sunnah in the context of Western society?

1.00pm - 1.30pm

Salaah al Zuhr and ‘Asr NASIHAH 2: Tips in living a life of balance

1.30pm - 2.00pm

Lunch

2.00pm - 4.00pm

Group Work / Quran Study

4.00pm - 4.30pm

Salatul Maghrib and Isha Nasihah 3: What does it take to attain Ihsan

4.30pm - 7.30pm

SESSION 6: Workshops The Happiness Trap Self-Love God’s Plan for Me and You Dua Writing

7.30pm - 8.30pm

Dinner

8.30pm - 9.00pm

Group Work / Quran Study

9.00pm - 10.00pm

Debate/Open Forum

SATURDAY

SUNDAY 5.30am - 6.00am

Wake up and preparation for Prayer

6.00am - 7.00am

Salatul Fajr, Quranic reflection & morning Dhikr NASIHAH 4: Preparing to Meet Allah

7.00am - 8.30am

Early Morning Walk by the Lake: Observing the Signs of Allah

9.00am - 9.45am

Breakfast

9.45am - 11.00am

SESSION 7: Heaven on Earth This session examines the nature of life and how we can live meaningful, satisfying and contented lives.

11.00am - 1.00pm

SESSION 8: Crisis of Faith Workshops Being a Muslim in a troubling world - lessons from early life of the Prophet The early life of the Prophet even before he received the very first revelation is remarkable for being able to build a reputation of the most trusted person, where there was so much in his environment to be repelled by. Rampant indecency, drinking, class based apartheid, mistreatment of the weak and yet he did not withdraw, remained a full participant without succumbing to its prevalent culture.

Staying on the Message – The Real Sabr There is so much that distracts us on a daily basis. News and events that we have no control over, that force us to respond. During revelation whenever the believers faced such events of significance, the Quran had only one advice – sabr. What does it mean?

Understanding conflicts and human disparity Disparity and conflicts are forever part of human life. Without them there is no context or meaning for ethics and morals, rights and wrongs. It is important to understand its nature and its necessity to not be frustrated by it. That the only thing that matters is to do the right thing.

The challenge of hopelessness, despondency and despair Are you enjoying or enduring life? Anxiety, stress, despondency and lack of confidence affect most of us at some point in our lives. This workshop will explore the practical steps, from the Qur’an and Sunnah, in dealing with life’s trial and difficulties.

1.00pm - 1.30pm

Salaah al Zuhr and ‘Asr NASIHAH 5: Where are you Going?

1.30pm - 2.00pm

Lunch

2.00pm - 3.30pm

SESSION 9: Group Presentations: Quran Study

3.30pm - 4.00pm

Closing Session

4.00pm - 4.30pm

Salatul Maghrib and Isha

4.30pm Departure

WHAT TO BRING

Clothes for 2 days

Toiletries

Snacks (Healthy ofc)

Notepad & Pens

Towel & Flip-flops

Water Bottle

Enthusiasm!

Critical Mind