بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Preparing for the Al-Ghazali Weekend Retreat
“On Disciplining the Soul”
April 18-20, 2025
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
We pray that this message reaches you in the best of states. You have registered to attend the Al-Maqasid Weekend Retreat from Friday evening, April 18th at 6:00pm to Sunday afternoon, April 20th 4:00pm. With Allah’s permission, we will be blessed to be joined by Yahya Rhodus and Amjad Tarsin as well as resident Imam Sayyid Abdul Fattah Ba-Alawi.
In Book 22, Imam al-Ghazali explains how to acquire virtuous character traits and in general terms, mentions diseases of the heart and how to treat them. Book 22 sets the foundation for a more detailed discussion of blameworthy characteristics in the remaining books in the third part of Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Books 23-30).
Acquiring good character entails purifying one’s heart and soul. Allah ﷻ tells us, “Successful is he who purifies it.” [Quran 91:9] The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the best of creation, is the quintessence of virtuous character. Allah ﷻ states in the Quran, “And verily, you [O Prophet] are on an exalted standard of character." [Quran 68:4] And the Prophet ﷺ said, "I was only sent to perfect good character." Bad character, by contrast, and foul characteristics are a poison, which distance one from Allah and deprive that person of everlasting reward.
In this Weekend Retreat, we will cover the merit of good character, the reality of good and bad character, how to discipline the soul and identify bad character traits, the signs of good character, raising children with good character, and the requirements of spiritual struggle.
Communication
Please join the telegram group for live announcements and materials.
Telegram: On Disciplining the Soul, a study of Book 22 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 22
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 22: On Disciplining the Soul
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