Bismillah
“At the heart of our charity is anchored in this verse in the Holy Qur’an;
الله نور السموات و الارض
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran, 24:35)
Imagine walking into a space where every detail, from the smiles of the sisters to the warmth in the room, feels like a hug for your soul. Forty-nine incredible women gathered from across England, with a few sisters travelling from Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sisters came from different cities, backgrounds, and ethnicities, creating an inclusive, non-judgmental space where everyone felt loved, seen, embraced, and deeply heard.
This year’s theme was all about communication—not just with words, but with our bodies, thoughts, Qur’an, God, each other, and the world around us. In a busy and scattered world, this retreat was a soul-centred pause, a grounding, and an inward turning toward the Divine.
Friday Evening: Arrival, Icebreakers, and Soul Exchange
We arrived at Milton Hill Hotel in Oxford on Friday, 6th Feb, in the evening. Outside, it was cold, but the warmth inside enveloped us immediately. Sisters checked in, met each other, and gathered for a beautiful welcome dinner. Every detail, from the food to the welcoming atmosphere, was intentional, making each sister feel valued and embraced.
Sister Sabira Kanji, Trustee and MC for the Lantern of Light charity, opened the evening with a heartfelt icebreaker. She spoke about the charity’s vision, including its work in mental health, faith, identity, spirituality, and relief projects in the Zaynabiyah area and in Africa. Her words reminded us why creating spaces like this is so important and to nurture ourselves so we can nurture the world.
Afterwards, Sister Nasim Walji Pirmohamed led the Soul Exchange. Through deep dhikr meditation, we were transported inward on a journey to Jannah, grounding our hearts and opening them to reflection. Sisters created vision boards, exploring the love passed down through generations and drawing inspiration from Du’a Arafah. Friday evening ended with a quiet, intimate exercise—writing love letters to our own hearts in journals.
“Writing a love letter to my heart set the tone for the entire retreat” – Sister participant.
Saturday Morning: Yoga, Meditation, and Setting Intentions
Saturday began with Fajr prayers led by Sister Nasim, followed by Dua Ahad. Straight after, Sister Shabnam Merali guided gentle, energising yoga and meditation. Every stretch reminded us that our bodies are gifts from Allah, to be cared for and honoured. The room was full, energy high, and sisters left feeling refreshed, centred, and alive.
“Every movement reminded us that our bodies are gifts from Allah to be cared for and honoured” – Sister Shabnam Merali.
Whispers of the Body with Sister Sabika Rezavi
Sister Sabika Rezavi, the Re-Parenting Coach, guided us through a two-hour session exploring the whispers of our bodies. Through movement, reflection, and positive affirmations, sisters uncovered grief, unrecognised emotions, and moments from childhood where they felt unseen. The session encouraged forgiveness, healing, and reclaiming inner strength.
“I am loved, I am safe, and I am held”, Sabika Rezavi.
“This session reminded me that listening to my body is listening to my soul” – Sister Participant.
Reflections on Ziyarat Ale Yasin with Shaykh Dr Mohamadali Shomali
A three-part series on Ziyarat Ale Yasin led into an afternoon session with Dr Shaykh Mohammad Ali Shomali. His calm guidance helped us absorb the merits of the Ziyarat, including its 23 mentions of salaam, and unpacking a deeper understanding of this word Salaam, reinforced the importance of connecting with the Imam of our time.
Sisters eagerly asked him questions during lunch and dinner, and he also made time for one-to-one conversations to address burning questions that the sisters had. We were blessed to have another opportunity on Saturday night, whereby we hosted a Q&A session with Shaykh. These interactions left everyone feeling truly seen, heard, and guided.
‘Shawq’, meaning a longing and yearning for Allah swt, was a new word learnt from Shaykh Shomali’s spiritual discourses, and sisters asked questions, shared stories, and left feeling truly heard” Sister participant
Ladies-Only Spa and Swimming
Saturday night offered a serene, private space for sisters to relax and reflect. The swimming and spa session gave everyone a chance to unwind, reconnect with themselves, and share quiet moments.
“It was a beautiful pause just for us, a chance to simply be” – Sister Participant.
Morning Yoga and Gratitude with Sister Shabnam Merali
Sunday began with Fajr prayers led by Shaykh Shomali, followed by continued Du’a Faraj and reflections on gratitude.
Sister Shabnam Merali returned with gentle morning yoga and meditation. The session helped sisters awaken, stretch, and feel fully present in their bodies, setting a calm, intentional tone for the day.
Preparing for Laylatul Qadr with Shaykh Shomali
Shaykh Shomali’s keynote on Laylatul Qadr broke down Suratul Qadr into actionable steps for preparing the heart. Sisters left inspired and ready to enter Ramadan with clarity, focus, and serenity. One-to-one sessions and the Q&A gave sisters personal guidance, making them feel truly supported in their spiritual journeys.
True Voice with Sister Siddika and Sajjad Najafi
The ‘True Voice’ workshop explored authentic communication. Sisters rotated as speakers, listeners, and observers, learning to speak honestly, confidently, and with empathy. The exercises were practical, heartfelt, and directly applicable to everyday life.
“I learned that being honest, vulnerable, and kind in communication is a spiritual practice” – Sister Participant.
Finding the Light of God Within, in a scattered world, this retreat was a pause, a grounding, and an inward journey through Art Therapy with Fatima Zahra Naqvi.
Sisters were guided through meditative drawing and painting exercises. Emotions flowed freely onto paper, becoming a tool for reflection, introspection, and connecting with the Divine light within.
“Art became a mirror for my soul and a bridge to the Divine” – Sister Participant.
A Retreat of Intention, Love, and Divine Light
This retreat was more than an event—it was a sacred pause, a chance to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with God. Every session, conversation, and quiet moment grounded us, helping us tune inward and embrace our hearts.
The winter chill outside Milton Hill Hotel could not dim the warmth in the rooms or in our hearts. Sisters left feeling heard, valued, and inspired. Retreats like this remind us that when women are spiritually, mentally, and emotionally nurtured, they radiate love, peace, and harmony to families, communities, and the world.
Every element reflected the Light of Allah swt, leaving sisters uplifted, recharged, and ready to embrace Shahr Ramadan with serenity, clarity, and joy.
Alhamdulillah for these sacred moments! May Allah SWT accept our humble efforts as we continue our journeys back to Him with grace and humility.
Wabillahi-Tawfeeq
Lantern of Light Soul tribe
Comments