19th Annual AMILA Ramadan Spiritual Retreat

"Remembrance of the Afterlife"

Point Montara Lighthouse, August 14-15, 2010

Welcome to the 2010 annual AMILA Ramadan Retreat. The Ramadan Retreat is an opportunity for participants to spend time exploring their Islam in a thoughtful and peaceful environment. Each year we focus on a theme and reflect on its meaning as we spend our fast together learning and remembering Allah (SWT). The theme for this year’s retreat is remembrance of the afterlife.

In his book on the Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife, Imam al-Ghazali writes: "Know that the heart of the man that is engrossed in this world and is given over to its vanities and harbors love for its appetites must certainly be neglectful of the remembrance of death. Thus failing to recall it, when reminded of it he finds it odious and shies away." Similarly, we find a tradition from Prophet Jesus (SAW) which relates, "The world is a bridge; so pass over it to the next world, but do not try to build on it."

This year's retreat theme Remembrance of the Afterlife is a reflection on these sayings, recognizing the fleeting nature of this life and the importance placed on behavior that will assist one in the next life (akhira). Meditation on the Hereafter is consistently noted as a treatment for the purification of one's heart, thereby drawing one closer to Allah. However, in the modern world, it is often difficult to remember the Afterlife and death without fear of dwelling on morbid or depressing topics. Our goal for this year’s retreat is to explore the benefits of remembrance of the Afterlife and to address practical ways to remember the Afterlife that inspire and uplift the spirit, ultimately bringing us closer to the Divine.

The retreat program will include lectures, discussions, group reflections on the Qu’ran and Hadith, individual meditation, inspirational readings, all prayers including taraweeh and tahajjud, outdoor hikes along the coast, and all meals in accordance with the Ramadan schedule. Speakers will include Babak Ayazifar and Dian Alyan.

AMILA’s Nineteenth Annual Ramadan Spiritual Retreat will, Insha’Allah, be held the weekend of August 14-15, 2010. The retreat will start on Saturday at 10:00 AM and end on Sunday at 3:00 PM. It will be held at the beautiful Point Montara Lighthouse and Hostel off of Highway 1 (7 miles North of Half Moon Bay and 25 miles South of San Francisco). For more information on the location, click here.

We would like to remind participants that AMILA is continuing our efforts to be "green" and again request that participants bring a plate, a bowl, a mug, a water bottle and utensils. This will eliminate the use of styrofoam and plastic. We will still have limited quantities of these items but we ask that each of us continue to do our part for the environment.

The cost of the retreat is $80 for registration submitted prior to July 30th, 2010, and $95 after July 30th, 2010. Payment confirms your place at the retreat as long as space is available, and is non-refundable. Space is limited (approx. 30 people) and the retreat fills up every year so please register early. Registration fee includes meals, overnight lodging, registration and reading materials. Packets with directions, readings and registration materials will be e-mailed upon receipt of payment. This year only on-line registration is available.

The retreat is an opportunity for reflection. Though we do not have a no-child policy, this environment is geared for adults and can be challenging for young children. Please email Sara Mostafavi or Nura Maznavi or call (562) 499-9640 if you have questions.