Student Retreats

Our Student Retreats in the UK not only allow students to further develop their knowledge, but also to spend time in suhba (beneficial company) with their teachers and fellow students. We run two retreats during the academic year: the Spring Retreat and the Winter Retreat. These residential trips are an invaluable opportunity to ground ourselves in an increasingly disconnected world.

The aim is simple; to spend time together with pure intentions. We can learn so much from one another when our hearts are in the right place. Taking some intentional time out in nature and away from our busy lives and routines can provide us with the chance to heighten our self-awareness and develop small practices to implement upon our return. Your teachers, including Shaykh Akram, will also be present and looking forward to meeting their students inshaAllah.

Suhba is a huge blessing and a key component in the self-development of any student of knowledge. Being around beneficial company, one’s teachers and fellow students, can provide us with a chance to learn, work on our adab and akhlaaq, as well as serve others. These are all essential aspects of a believer’s life. With more and more of our lives (and learning) going online this year, we feel the loss of connection with one another more than ever. As such, we would like to invite our students to attend our upcoming Student Retreat in Leicestershire.

We have designed these retreats to be both as affordable as possible and for them to focus more on companionship and experience rather than luxury accommodation or solely textual learning. Students will be able to stay in on-campus dorms (single occupancy – limited no. of rooms available) or off-campus (nearby hotels are recommended especially for group/family stays). All meals are included for all students. Off-campus students will be required to arrange their own daily transportation to and from the venue.

Key Information

There are two annual Student Retreats which take place in the idyllic British countryside, providing a spiritual break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can either book one retreat or book both retreats as a package.

Taking place in the serene heart of Leicestershire, our retreats offer students the opportunity to connect deeply with their fellow students and teachers while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Experience the depth of suhba (beneficial company) in a natural setting, fostering meaningful connections with your peers and teachers. These retreats provide dedicated time for learning, contemplation, and self-discovery, all within the peaceful ambiance of Markfield. This is a chance to renew your commitment to learning and personal development within the tranquil countryside.

Please note: priority will be given to students of the Islamic Scholarship Programmes. Previous students of the Islamic Scholarship Programmes are also welcome to apply.

Counsel from the Quran

This year’s Student Retreats will delve deeper into two surahs containing vital guidance that all believers, and in particular students of knowledge, must understand, take heed of and aim to inculcate into their character.

Winter Retreat

The Winter Retreat will take place at the end of Term One in December. The theme of the retreat will revolve around Surah Al-Hujurat. This surah contains admonitions and guidance that can shake us to our core and allow us to reconsider our conduct, our tendencies towards certain vices, and the way believers should carry themselves.

In an ummah filled with so much diversity, it can be easy to fall into nefarious attitudes, approaches, and assumptions that can be deeply harmful to others and, ultimately, to ourselves. By studying this surah, we hope to understand how to be and what to avoid as believing men and women.

The retreat will also feature our annual Alimiyyah graduation ceremony, an occasion for our students to hear from our graduates and learn from their journeys, many of whom have studied at the institute for an average of seven years. This will be a wonderful opportunity for inspiration and reflection.

Duration: 4 Days (12th December – 15th December 2024)

Theme: Counsel from the Quran

Spring Retreat

Information TBC

 Duration: TBC

Venue

Venue: Islamic Foundation, Markfield, Leicestershire
Ratby Ln, Markfield LE67 9SY

Teaching

ASI teachers, including Shaykh Akram Nadwi, will also be present and looking forward to meeting their students, inshaAllah.

Food

All meals are included for all students. Please note that we will be unable to accommodate dietary requirements/intolerances on the retreat. Students wishing to attend who may have specific dietary requirements will need to make personal arrangements for meal times.

For any further enquiries, please email residentials@alsalam.ac.uk

Pricing

Early bird offer ends on Sunday 10th of November. Please note: early bird discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

On-Campus £355 £295

• Students will be able to stay in on-campus dorms (single occupancy – limited no. of rooms available).
• Students can make an on-campus booking for either the Winter Retreat or the Spring Retreat.
• All meals are included in the price.
• On-campus check-in: 5pm on Thursday | Check-out: 4pm on Sunday

Off-Campus £255 £195

• Students are welcome to stay off-campus in a number of nearby hotels and apartments.
• Students can make an off-campus booking for either the Winter Retreat or the Spring Retreat.
• All meals are included in the price.
• Students will be required to arrange their own transportation between the accommodation and campus.
• Off-campus check-in: 5:30pm on Thursday | Check-out: 4pm on Sunday

Children

Pricing for children:
0 – 2yrs Off-Campus: Free
3 – 11yrs Off-Campus: £60 (includes all meals)

The campus does not have any crèche facilities. If you can not arrange childcare, you may attend with children and register using the off-campus facilities.

Retreat Venue

Islamic Foundation, Markfield, Leicestershire
Ratby Ln, Markfield LE67 9SY

Accomodation (On-Campus)

• Single occupancy rooms with shared toilet and bathroom facilities are available.
• Dormitories are divided into male-only and female-only sections.
• All meals are included: breakfast (basic), lunch, and dinner, along with refreshments throughout the day.
• The package includes tickets to the graduation dinner, featuring a three-course meal.
• One application is permitted per person.
• Only adults aged 18 years and older may apply.
• Families are encouraged to consider the off-campus package.

External Accomodation

Accommodation is not included in the Off-Campus reservation. Students must arrange their own accommodation. Here are some nearby options, but this is not an exhaustive list:

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Fieldhead Hotel:

• 3 minute drive from retreat venue
• Free cancellation
• Find out more here

Travelodge Leicester Markfield

• 6 minute drive from retreat venue
• Prices from £32 per night
• Find out more here

Airbnb

You may opt to rent locally for the duration of your stay using Airbnb, for example

Frequently Asked Questions

Fees for Student Retreat – 2024 – 25

Winter Retreat On-Campus & Off-Campus

*Early Bird Discount Ends: Sunday 10th of November