Winter Retreat 2025

Q) Where will the Student Retreats be taking place?

→ The venue for the retreats is Markfield Islamic Foundation, Leicestershire, Ratby Ln, Markfield LE67 9SY.

Q) Will any transportation to the venue be arranged?

→ Attendees will need to arrange their own transportation.

Q) How far are the nearby hotels?
→ They are around a 10-minute drive from the venue.

Q) Can I walk from the hotels?
→ No, walking is not advised. The surrounding roads are country lanes, poorly lit in winter, and not suitable for pedestrians. It is best to drive or arrange carpooling.

Q) Is there parking on site?
→ Yes, there is plenty of parking available on-site.

Q) Are the Student Retreats only for current ASI students?

→ Current ASI students will be given priority. Former students of the Islamic Scholarship Programmes are also welcome to apply. Students may bring family members or friends; however, those connected with the Institute will benefit most from this type of retreat, as it offers valuable opportunities to meet teachers, reconnect with peers, and strengthen academic and spiritual ties.

Q) What is the on-campus accommodation like?

→ The rooms are quite basic, similar to university student accommodation. A limited number of on-campus dorm rooms are available, divided into male-only and female-only sections. All rooms are single occupancy, with shared bathroom facilities. All meals are included in the package price.

Q) Are the dormitory buildings segregated?
→ Yes, there are two separate buildings: one for men and one for women.

Q) Are the rooms en-suite?
→ No, the rooms are not en-suite. Toilets and shower facilities are shared.

Q) Do I need to bring toiletries for the dorms?
→ Yes, please bring your own toiletries.

Q) Can I bring my family to the retreat?

→ Yes, but families will need to stay off-campus, as all on-campus rooms are single occupancy.

Q) Is there a crèche for families?
→ No, there are no crèche facilities available. Families must make their own childcare arrangements.

Q) Are all meals included?

→ Yes, all meals are included. Meals are served canteen-style and are usually simple Asian cuisine. Please note that special dietary requirements cannot be arranged.

Q) Can I arrive early to the retreat on Thursday?

→ We do not recommend arriving before 4 pm on Thursday. If you need to arrive earlier, you may stay at the masjid until the check-in or registration desk opens. Please bring your own snacks, as there are no shops or restaurants available on campus.

Q) Can I leave early?

→ Yes, early checkout is permitted with prior approval.

Q) I am staying off campus. Can I attend Fajr prayer at the masjid?

→ Yes, off-campus students are welcome to join the Fajr prayer at the masjid.

Q) Can I arrive on Friday morning?

→ Yes, you may arrive on Friday morning; however, no discount can be offered for a late arrival. Please inform the residential team of your arrival time in advance by email if you will not be arriving on Thursday evening.

Q) What is the latest time I can arrive on Thursday night?

→ We understand that traffic or travel delays can occur, and our team is usually available until around 11:00pm to check in late arrivals. In case of an emergency or further delay, please contact our team and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Q) Does the retreat begin on Thursday evening for off-campus participants as well?

→ Yes, off-campus participants are also expected to attend from Thursday evening, and dinner on Thursday is included for them.

Q) Can I attend for a single day only?

→ Yes, single-day attendance is possible, and a one-day rate is available.

Q) What should I expect from the Student Retreat in terms of the programme and schedule?

-> While the final programme is yet to be confirmed, we can offer a general outline based on previous years. This year’s retreat is expected to follow a similar structure.

The retreat typically begins on Thursday evening, with check-in around 5:00pm, followed by a welcome session, dinner, and introductory talks by Shaykh Akram and other teachers. The opening evening usually runs until about 10:00pm.

Each day begins with Fajr prayer at the on-site masjid, followed by an optional session featuring either hadith reading or tajwid. Breakfast is served between 8:00 and 9:00am. Morning sessions with Shaykh Akram generally run from 9:00am to 1:00pm and include tafsir of selected surahs and readings from classical texts, often centred on themes of spirituality and self-development. While the exact texts cannot be confirmed in advance, further details may be shared closer to the date or listed on our website.

Lunch is served from 1:00 to 2:00pm. Afternoons are usually dedicated to workshops, discussions, or practical activities such as self-defence sessions or countryside walks (weather permitting). Evenings often include Q&A sessions, group activities like quizzes and prize giveaways, and informal opportunities to engage with teachers.

On Saturday evening, during the Winter Student Retreat, a graduation ceremony and formal dinner are typically held between 5:00 and 9:00pm. Sunday morning follows a similar structure to previous days, with the retreat concluding after closing reflections and check-out by 4:00pm.

A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the time, but we hope this gives you a clear idea of what to expect from the retreat experience.

Q) Do I need to purchase tickets for the graduation dinner?

→ If you are attending the retreat, tickets for the graduation dinner are included. If you are attending the dinner only, you will need to purchase a ticket separately.

Q) Should I bring formal clothes for the graduation?

→ Most students choose to wear formal or semi-formal clothing for the graduation evening, although it is not mandatory. Graduating students will need to order their gowns through our official gown supplier.

Q) What does the graduation evening look like?

→ The graduation usually takes place on Saturday evening between 5:00 and 10:00pm. One of the halls is decorated and transformed into a formal graduation venue, where presentations are given by teachers and graduating students. The evening concludes with a three-course dinner, professionally catered and served at your table.