Overview:

This past weekend, the Hayat Foundation hosted an incredible retreat dedicated to personal development and capacity building. It was a weekend filled with enriching activities, meaningful discussions, and a wonderful sense of community.

 Friday Evening:

The event kicked off with a beautiful Quran Recitation, setting a serene and reflective tone for the days ahead. Dr. Abdul Hameed Latifi, the event’s coordinator, welcomed everyone with an inspiring message. We were also honored to hear a short but impactful speech by Sheikh Bashir Ghafouri on the importance of such gatherings in fostering growth and unity.

 Saturday:

The second day began with a refreshing morning warm-up sport, energizing everyone for a day full of activities. Participants, both youth and elders, engaged in various enriching tasks. One highlight was the group research activity in the library, where teams explored different topics, honing their research skills and expanding their knowledge.

 Afternoon Fun:

In the afternoon, excitement peaked with a football competition featuring 8 enthusiastic teams competing for the trophy. This was followed by a scenic walk trail, allowing everyone to appreciate the natural beauty of Leicester. After a delicious dinner, the evening concluded with a lively Kahoot activity about the Golden Age, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Muslim scholars and scientists to modern technology and knowledge.

 Sunday:

The final day featured a short yet profound lecture by Ustad Shuja Mustaqi, offering deep Islamic insights. Participants were then introduced to “The Way of Life” competition, focusing on the lives and seerah of the prophets, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Aqeedah. This exciting competition, set for September 15, promises to be a fantastic opportunity for learning and spiritual growth.

 Closing Ceremony:

The retreat concluded with an award ceremony, celebrating the hard work and achievements of all participants across the various competitions.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this retreat possible and to all the participants for their enthusiasm and engagement. Let’s carry the lessons and experiences from this weekend into our daily lives, continuing our journey of personal and collective growth.