بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Preparing for the Al-Ghazali Weekend Retreat
“On Breaking the Two Desires”
June 13-15
We are excited to announce our upcoming Weekend Retreat, which will be held on June 13-15 titled On Breaking the Two Desires, a study of Book 23 of Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences).
In Book 23, Imam al-Ghazali begins his more detailed discussions on specific blameworthy characteristics. Here, he addresses two most ruinous diseases of the heart: the desire of the stomach and the desire of the private parts. According to Imam al-Ghazali, the source of all vice is the desire of the stomach, and the desire of the private parts arises directly from it.
In numerous hadith the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warns against indulging in food and drink. For example, he said ﷺ, “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must [fill it], then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air.” The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also explained the direct correlation between one’s stomach and one’s passions, “Whoever among you is not able to marry, then let him fast, for indeed fasting is a preventative measure [against desire].” Some scholars have even said that if you can control what and how much you eat, overcoming other blameworthy characteristics becomes much easier.
In Imam al-Ghazali’s On Breaking the Two Desires, he explains the merit of hunger, the benefits of hunger and evils of satiety, and how to control the desire of the stomach while avoiding ostentation. He then follows that section with a discussion on lust, the merit of containing it, and how to do so.
We welcome you to join us in learning about the ways to discipline these two most destructive desires in what we pray will be a weekend filled with abundant blessings.
Communication
Please join the telegram group for live announcements and materials.
Telegram: On Breaking the Two Desires A Study of Book 23 of the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn
New retreat app
For iPhone Users:
Schedule
ONLINE
To attend the sessions LIVE and ONLINE please go here:
Youtube: LIVE Book 23
For for live audio stream only please go to:
MixLR: https://mixlr.com/almaqasid_retreat
YouTube will carry only the main sessions; MixLR will be audio only but include awrad, adhkar, and Inshad.
Please note if you miss a session or would like to review sessions after the retreat you can find them uploaded at the following link: Book 23: On Breaking the Two Desires
Directions & Parking
Al-Maqasid Main Parking Lot
Available for teachers, elderly, and those requiring assistance.
Al-Maqasid Stone Barn Parking Lot:
Primary parking for events, retreats, and programs.
local prayer times
We look forward to your attendance and pray for a blessed weekend insha'allah!
BarakAllahu Fīkūm