Sacred Stillness

Fri 22nd – Mon 25th August 2025 (Bank Holiday Weekend)

Join us for a unique summer retreat immersed in nature, reflection, and spiritual connection. Over three restful days, we’ll explore the Majestic Names of Allah, learning how to live through His Attributes in everyday life — in a setting designed for stillness, serenity, and reconnection.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual grounding, emotional nourishment, or simply space to breathe — this retreat is for you.

Retreat Highlights

Set in a peaceful countryside location: Beacon Valley, Birmingham/Lickey Hills.

- Wellbeing Walks in nature
- Stargazing under open skies
- Campfire gatherings & reflection
- Soulful Nasheeds & Dhikr
- Nutritious homemade meals throughout
- Spiritual sessions on the Divine Names of Allah

In the interests of safeguarding, all youth (ages 12-18) must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Please note: we do not have dedicated crèche facilities. If you would like to register children under 12, please contact us to discuss further.

Attendance Options & Pricing

This is a full 3-night retreat, running from Friday evening to Monday afternoon, including classes, meals, and activities.

1. Residential: Adult - £199, Youth (12–18) - £169

Either: camping - by pitching own tents on site OR sleeping in a group marquee with own sleeping bags (segregated)

2. Non-Residential: Adult - £119, Youth (12–18) - £99

3, Day Visits:
Friday: 6:00pm – 12:00am (includes dinner) - £30

Saturday: 9:30am – Midnight (includes lunch & dinner) - £50

Sunday: 9:30am – 6:00pm (includes lunch & walk) - £40

Monday: 9:30am – 5:30pm (includes lunch) - £40

Complete the relevant form below to register

Full Retreat Itinerary

Special Guests

Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf OBE

Shaykh Dr Sayyid Asim Yusuf OBE is a leading UK-based Islamic scholar and Consultant Psychiatrist, known for his pioneering work at the intersection of Islamic spirituality and mental health. He is a recognised authority in Islamic psychology and bioethics, and a spiritual guide in the Chishti Habibi Sufi order. He is currently working on a monumental 45-volume commentary on 'Ihya Ulum al-Din' by Imam Ghazali and has been delivering a detailed commentary on the text since 2014. His acclaimed book 'Shedding Light on the Dawn' explores the intersection of Islamic law and astronomy. Professionally, he is Clinical Director for Mental Health Services in the Black Country. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him an OBE in 2022 from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was also chosen as the Sunni Muslim representative to meet King Charles III upon his accession, recognising his national theological leadership.

Shaykh Nasir Rashid

Shaykh Nasir Rashid began his Islamic studies at 16 under Shaykh Ali Fichet, studying Shafi'i Fiqh and theology. He continued for over six years with Shaykh Allama Rasool Baksh Saeedi, completing the Dars-e-Nizami syllabus. He later earned a diploma in Islamic Studies at Cambridge Muslim College under Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad, followed by an MA in Philosophy from Heythrop College, graduating with distinction. He has taught hundreds of students across the UK through Dars-e-Nizami classes and public seminars, particularly using the ‘Path to Salvation’ syllabus. His approach blends traditional scholarship with accessible teaching. Outside the classroom, Shaykh Nasir shares reflections and articles on Islamic thought via social media. He also works as a senior audiologist and service manager in the NHS and runs an audiology business and a clinical education academy. His balanced engagement with sacred knowledge and professional life makes his teaching both relatable and impactful.

Shaykh Hafiz Wajid Hussain

Shaykh Hafiz Wajid completed the traditional Dars-e-Nizami program in Birmingham before spending five years studying in Turkey and Yemen, with a particular focus on Quranic Sciences. He received teaching licenses in several Islamic disciplines from his teachers. Alongside his Islamic studies, he holds a BSc in Environmental GeoScience and a PGCE in Geography. Shaykh Hafiz Wajid currently serves as a Khatib at The Solihull Hub and as a teacher at Ihya Foundation in Birmingham.

Shaykh Anis Ahmed

Shaykh Anis Ahmed began his foundational studies in Qur’ān, Tajwīd, and Qirā’ah with his father, Ḥāfiẓ Abdul Ghafoor Ahmed, before undertaking over a decade of formal training in the Islamic sciences. He completed the ten-year Dars-e-Niẓāmī (Ālim program) under Dr. Mufti Monawwar Ateeq and went on to specialise in Fiqh (Islamic Law), Funūn (Rational Disciplines), and Hadīth Studies. He also holds a BA in Philosophy and Theology from Newman University. Over the past ten years, Shaykh Anis has taught a variety of Islamic courses at multiple institutions across Birmingham and beyond, as well as delivering lectures throughout England. He has also spent seven years teaching the Dars-e-Niẓāmī syllabus under the supervision of Shaykh Monawwar Ateeq.

Ustadh Mohsin Hashmi

Ustadh Mohsin helped establish The Lantern Initiative in 2015 and continues to coordinate retreats and events as part of its core team. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion and Education, with a thesis exploring adolescent mental health, and is also studying Arabic at the Arabica Institute. Alongside his academic work, he teaches Qur’an and Islamic Studies and has been involved in a range of educational projects through Islamic Home Tuition (IHT) over the past several years. His journey in Islamic studies began in 2007 under the guidance of Shaykh Samir an-Nass in the UK and has since continued through learning with various scholars across multiple disciplines.

FAQS

Families are central to our work, and we generally welcome them to all our events. Having said this, we don’t have a specific crèche facility for young children at this retreat unfortunately. If children are supervised (by parents) at all times, and are comfortable sitting in the classes then we are happy to discuss facilitating this. If this is the case for you, please get in touch with us via email or instagram

The residential option is:

– Camping – by pitching own tents on-site, or

– ⁠Sleeping in a group marquee on-site (provided by the venue) with own sleeping bags (segregated)

Shower and toilet facilities are available on-site

For non-residential, nearby hotels include: Hillscourt, Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, both within 5 minute drive away.

Please check online for alternative accommodation to suit your needs. Venue postcode is B45 9XL.

We are non-profit community organisation, so as such we have tried our best to keep prices as low as possible for all attendees, with this in mind, we are unable to offer any specific concessions. However, at checkout there is an option to pay in installments.

Yes, we understand that you might only be able to make some of the days, so we have a day visit option available. Please see the form for further information on the timings and cost for each individual day.

Unfortunately, due to the complexity of planning and logistics for this type of event, we are unable to offer a refund. Please be mindful of this before booking your place(s). You can transfer your place to someone else if you are unable to make it.

For non-residential and day visit options this includes:

Friday: evening meal
Saturday: lunch, evening meal
Sunday: lunch, evening meal
Monday: lunch

Refreshments, tea/coffee will be available throughout InshaAllah

For residential option, this is all the above + breakfast on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

If you have chosen the non-residential option, but would like to add breakfast to your package, this can be made available at an additional cost. Please let us know if you would like to do this