Al-Salam Institute presents
Winter Student Retreat 2026
Knowledge. Reflection. Suhba.
Four days of inspiring teaching, spiritual reflection and meaningful companionship in beautiful countryside surroundings.
Retreat theme
Knowledge That Transforms
What is the true value of knowledge if it does not transform the person who acquires it?
As Al-Salam Institute marks twenty years of teaching sacred Islamic knowledge, we are reminded that the purpose of learning extends far beyond acquiring information. True knowledge should draw us closer to Allah, cultivate sincerity, humility and khashyah (reverent awe of Allah), and transform our character and the way we live.
Yet the journey from knowledge to action is not always easy. How do we overcome the struggles of the heart, remain sincere in our intentions and ensure that what we learn becomes a source of guidance rather than pride?
Join us this December for the ASI Winter Student Retreat, as we explore these questions through Quranic study, spiritual reflection, practical workshops and meaningful conversations with Shaykh Akram Nadwi, ASI teachers, and fellow students.
01The Retreat Programme
Study with Shaykh Akram Nadwi
Step away from everyday routines for four days of Quranic study, spiritual reflection and interactive workshops, exploring how sacred knowledge can transform our lives and bring us closer to Allah.
When Victory Does Not Look Like Victory
A Three-Part Tafsir of Surah al-Fath with Shaykh Akram
Across three mornings, Shaykh Akram will explore the events of Hudaybiyyah and the lessons of Surah al-Fath on true victory, trust in Allah, tranquillity and steadfastness.
Further sessions will explore the inner struggles of the believer, purification of the heart and how knowledge shapes our character.
Interactive Workshops
From Knowledge to Action
Led by ASI teachers, these workshops will encourage students to discuss, reflect and apply what they learn to everyday life.
- From Tafsir to TransformationA two-part workshop exploring the contemporary relevance of Surah al-Fath.
- Why Do We Struggle to Change?Overcoming obstacles to spiritual growth and putting knowledge into practice.
- Balancing Deen, Family, Work and StudiesPractical guidance on managing responsibilities while pursuing Islamic knowledge.
02In Good Company
The Importance of Suhba
The Prophet ﷺ did not refer to those who learnt from him as students, but as Sahabah, companions who learnt from his words, actions and character. This is the essence of suhba: learning not only from what our teachers teach, but also from how they live.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Winter Student Retreat is the opportunity to spend meaningful time in the company of our teachers, learning not only from their knowledge but also from their character, conduct and example.
It is also an opportunity to learn from one another, build lasting friendships and experience khidmah (service), whether through helping fellow students, assisting our teachers or contributing to the wider ASI community.
For those who usually study online, the retreat brings these experiences together through shared worship, conversations and companionship, reminding us that seeking knowledge extends far beyond the classroom.
- Learning Beyond the ClassroomBenefit from the company and personal guidance of ASI teachers, including opportunities for one-to-one meetings with Shaykh Akram, subject to availability.
- Friendships Beyond the ScreenMeet classmates in person, build lasting friendships and connect with fellow students from the UK and around the world.
- Worship, Companionship and KhidmahShare prayers, meals and reflections, while embracing opportunities to serve, support and learn from one another.
Some of the best moments of the ASI Student Retreat were those in-between moments, spending time and connecting with my teachers and fellow students.
03The Venue
Experience Wyboston Lakes
This year’s Winter Student Retreat will take place at The Willows, Wyboston Lakes, set within 380 acres of picturesque Bedfordshire countryside. Our new venue offers a beautiful setting for learning and reflection, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, modern facilities and welcoming spaces to relax and connect with fellow students.
- En-suite BedroomsContemporary rooms with private bathrooms, available for single or shared occupancy.
- The Willows SuiteA spacious, modern setting for our learning sessions and gatherings.
- The Loft and Social SpacesRelax with fellow students in comfortable shared lounges, or enjoy a game of pool or darts in The Loft.
- Cricket KitchenEnjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner during the retreat, with catered meals and halal arrangements for our group.
- Complimentary RefreshmentsTea, freshly prepared coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits available throughout the day from self-service stations.
- Lakes, Nature and Countryside WalksExplore the resort’s extensive grounds, with scenic lakes, woodland and walking routes offering opportunities for fresh air and quiet reflection.
04ASI Student Recognition & Graduation Ceremony
Celebrating a Journey of Knowledge
Saturday 12 December 2026 | Evening
A special highlight of the Winter Student Retreat will be our annual Student Recognition and Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the dedication, perseverance and achievements of students across ASI’s programmes.
From Foundation Year and Arabic Immersion students, whose progress will be recognised, to those completing their Alimiyyah and Ifta studies, the evening brings together teachers, families and fellow students to celebrate their journeys.
This year, we also hope to celebrate the first cohort completing our three-year Qur’an Study Programme, marking another important milestone for the Institute.
The ceremony is included in the residential retreat package.
Graduation and dinner tickets are available for family members and guests at £65 per person.
05Residential Fees
Three-Night Retreat Package
Every price covers the full retreat, Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 December 2026: accommodation, meals and the complete programme.
ASI Student Priority Price
Exclusive to eligible ASI students
Book by 23 October 2026
ASIRETREAT26Subsidised by ASI. If you can, please pay the full price.
No longer available
Early Bird Price
Until 10 November 2026
Available now · no code needed
No longer available
Standard Price
From 11 November 2026
After 11 November 2026
Apply with the application form, then choose your ticket in the ASI Store.
How to get the ASI Student Priority Price
Book by Friday 23 October 2026 and enter the code ASIRETREAT26 at checkout in the ASI Store. The discount is not applied automatically, and it applies to adult tickets only (children’s prices are unchanged).
ASI subsidises the discounted price so that cost is never a barrier to attending. If you’re able to pay the full price, please do. It helps us keep the subsidy available for those who need it most.
Your fee includes
- All-inclusive three nights at The Willows, Wyboston Lakes
- Retreat programme
- The Student Recognition and Graduation Ceremony
- Catered meals with halal catering
- Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments all day
- Use of the teaching and communal spaces
- On-site parking
Choosing your room
Single: your own en-suite bedroom throughout the retreat.
Sharing: two adults from the same family in one room (spouse or family member), priced per person. Tell us your roommate when you register.
Apply with the application form, then pay in the ASI Store, entering any discount code at checkout. Bookings are non-refundable.
06Attendance Options
More Ways to Attend
Whether you’re joining us with your family or attending for individual days, we want to make the retreat as accessible as possible.
Bringing Your Family
Families are welcome to join the retreat, with family accommodation and interconnected rooms available subject to availability.
Children’s Residential Rates
- 0–5 yearsPer child, full three-night retreat£95
- 6–12 yearsPer child, full three-night retreat£245
Children must be supervised by their accompanying adults throughout the retreat. No childcare facilities are provided.
Non-Residential Attendance
For those who live locally or prefer to arrange their own accommodation, individual day attendance is also available.
Day Attendance
- Friday 11 DecemberProgramme, lunch and dinner£135
- Saturday 12 DecemberProgramme, lunch, graduation ceremony and dinner£135
- Sunday 13 DecemberProgramme, lunch and closing session (no dinner)£95
- Graduation Ceremony & Dinner OnlySaturday evening£65
Day tickets include the academic programme, the meals listed and refreshments, but not accommodation. All bookings are subject to availability.
By road
Close to the A1, with easy access from London, Cambridge, Bedford and beyond.
Parking
On-site parking is available at the resort.
Your journey
Please arrange your own transport to and from the venue.
Arrival
Arrival instructions and check-in times will be sent to registered participants.
Four days, one journey
Retreat Schedule
Knowledge That Transforms
Thursday 10 December
Welcome, Reconnection and Setting Intentions
- 5:00–6:00 pmArrival, Registration and Check-inWelcome refreshments and settling into accommodation
- 6:15–7:15 pmDinner
- 7:30–8:45 pmWelcome to the Winter Student RetreatIntroductions, icebreakers and meeting fellow students
- 8:45–9:00 pmSetting Our IntentionsShort opening reflection on Knowledge That Transforms: A Journey to Allah
- 9:00 pm onwardsTea, coffee, informal conversations and free time
Friday 11 December
The Heart, Faith and the Meaning of Victory
- Early morningFajr Prayer in Congregation
- 7:30–8:45 amBreakfast
- 9:00–10:15 amShaykh AkramTafsir of Surah al-Fath, Part 1: When Victory Does Not Look Like Victory
- 10:15–10:35 amCoffee Break
- 10:35–11:50 amShaykh AkramThe Inner Struggles of the Believer
- 12:00–1:15 pmJumu’ah Prayer and Break
- 1:15–2:15 pmLunch
- 2:30–3:30 pmFrom Tafsir to Transformation: Part 1Guided discussion and practical application of the morning’s Quranic lessons
- 3:30–4:15 pmPrayer, Refreshments and Optional Short Walk, weather permitting
- 4:15–5:15 pmWorkshop: Why Do We Struggle to Change?
- 5:15–6:30 pmPrayer, Free Time and Informal Conversations
- 6:30–7:30 pmDinner
- 7:45–9:00 pmQ&A with Shaykh Akram
- 9:00 pm onwardsInformal Student Gathering and Refreshments
Saturday 12 December
Living the Quran and Transforming Our Lives
- Early morningFajr Prayer in Congregation
- 7:30–8:45 amBreakfast
- 9:00–10:15 amShaykh AkramTafsir of Surah al-Fath, Part 2: Finding Tranquillity Amid Uncertainty
- 10:15–10:35 amCoffee Break
- 10:35–11:50 amShaykh AkramWhen Knowledge Changes Character
- 12:00–1:00 pmPrayer Break and Free Time
- 1:00–2:00 pmLunch
- 2:00–3:00 pmFrom Tafsir to Transformation: Part 2Applying the Quranic teachings on sakinah, perseverance and trust in Allah to everyday challenges
- 3:00–4:15 pmPrayer, Refreshments, Optional Short Walk and Free Time
- 4:15–5:00 pmWorkshop: Balancing Deen, Family, Work and Studies
- 5:00–6:00 pmPrayer and Graduation Preparations
- 6:00–7:30 pmStudent Recognition and Graduation Ceremony
- 7:30–8:45 pmDinner
- 8:45 pm onwardsPhotographs, Informal Gatherings and Time with Graduates and Teachers
Sunday 13 December
The Journey Continues
- Early morningFajr Prayer in Congregation
- 7:30–8:45 amBreakfast and Room Check-out Arrangements
- 9:00–10:15 amShaykh AkramTafsir of Surah al-Fath, Part 3: The Meaning of True Victory
- 10:15–10:35 amCoffee Break
- 10:35–11:50 amShaykh AkramRemaining Steadfast on the Journey to Allah
- 11:50 am–12:30 pmPrayer Break and Free Time
- 12:30–1:30 pmLunch
- 1:30–2:15 pmReflection, Companionship and Optional Countryside WalksWeather permitting
- 2:15–2:30 pmRefreshments and Gathering for Closing Programme
- 2:30–4:00 pmThe Journey Continues: Closing ProgrammeStudent reflections, practical takeaways, closing remarks and du’a
- 4:00–5:00 pmFarewells, Refreshments and Departure
- By 5:00 pmRetreat Concludes
All times are provisional. Congregational prayer timings and breaks will be arranged around the confirmed local prayer timetable. Outdoor activities are optional and weather-dependent, with indoor alternatives available.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
Fill in the application form. You will then go straight to the ASI Store to choose your ticket type and pay.
How do I get the ASI Student Priority Price?
Book by Friday 23 October 2026 and enter the code ASIRETREAT26 at checkout. The discount is not applied automatically and applies to adult tickets only.
ASI subsidises this price so that cost is never a barrier to attending. If you’re able to pay the full price, please do.
Who is the retreat for?
Current and former ASI students at every stage, whether you are just beginning or have studied with us for several years. The Student Priority Price is for eligible current ASI students.
Who can I share a room with?
Shared rooms are for family members only, such as a spouse. Add your roommate when you register. Room-sharing requests, bedding and family occupancy are subject to confirmation.
What are the meal arrangements?
Catered meals are served at the Cricket Kitchen restaurant, with themed dinners and buffet-style lunches, and halal meals specially arranged for ASI participants. The restaurant is shared with other guests. Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments are available throughout the day from self-service coffee stations around the venue.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, subject to room availability. Children aged 0–5 are £95 and 6–12 are £245 for the full retreat.
Book an adult ticket for yourself, then add a child ticket for each child. Children stay in their parent’s room.
- Children under 16 cannot have a room of their own and must share with an adult.
- Under-18s must be directly supervised at all times by their parents or a responsible adult.
- No crèche or childcare service is provided.
Is the graduation ceremony included?
Yes. The Student Recognition and Graduation Ceremony on Saturday 12 December is part of the programme and included in the residential fee. Graduation and dinner tickets are available for family members and guests at £65 per person.
Can I cancel my booking?
Bookings are non-refundable.
Can I stay off campus?
Residential places include accommodation at The Willows. If you live locally or prefer to arrange your own accommodation, non-residential day attendance is also available. See More Ways to Attend.
Is there a programme schedule?
Yes. See the retreat schedule above. All times are provisional, and arrival and check-in details will be sent to registered participants.
From past ASI student retreats
10–13 December 2026
Join us this winter
A new venue, an enhanced experience, and the same spirit of knowledge and companionship that makes ASI retreats special.
- Where
- The Willows, Wyboston Lakes Resort
- Includes
- Three nights, meals and the full programme
- Student price
- From £380 with code ASIRETREAT26 · until 23 October
- Early bird
- From £440 · until 10 November
- Standard price
- From £480 per person sharing