Only in moments of intimacy with God are we given everything we could want, and more than we could imagine. This is the highest degree of love, and is regarded by our scholars as the purpose of existence, as well as its greatest joy.
Love is like the ocean – mighty yet magnificent, life-giving yet unpredictable. It gives us happiness, but can also drive us foolish and crazy, and even cause tears mixed with blood to flow from the eyes (see Qasida al-Burda by Imam Al-Busiri). Our tradition is filled with scholars and saints who showed us how this love can transmute our being and burn away our excesses, leaving nothing but desire for God’s presence.
Join us for a weekend intensive at the Seaside Garden Retreat where Ust Sahar Dandan, Dr Samir Mahmoud and Ust Feraidoon Mojadedi (US) will explore what it means to love Allah, His Prophet (peace be upon him), and His creation. This will be an incredible opportunity to let your soul soak in the timeless marvels of the Quran, Prophetic teachings, and words of legendary poets such as Rumi, Saadi, Hafiz, Attar and Iqbal.
Register by no later than 17 Nov
Why You Should Come:
- 6 Incredible Classes to Awaken Your Heart
- Exclusive Rooms for Couples, Families & Groups*
- Group Discounts & Financial Aid Available
- Carpooling Services Available
*Limited rooms for exclusive bookings, book early to avoid disappointment
Financial Aid:
- Apply for financial aid: bit.ly/loveretreatfinancialaid
- Earlier submissions will be given higher priority
- Any submissions made after 10 Nov may not be accepted
Part of the Alchemy of Heart Tour in collaboration with ELIT Equilibrium and The Lantern Initiative
Proudly Sponsored by Penny Appeal
Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi (International Guest Speaker, US)
Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi is not just a lecturer; he is a cultural ambassador, entrepreneur, and community leader based in the vibrant Bay Area of California. His extensive experience includes years of collaboration with Zaytuna College, where he has served as a lecturer, imparting wisdom and insight to eager minds. Over the past three decades, he has dedicated himself to leading retreats, conducting workshops, and developing educational materials for individuals of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality and cultural heritage.
Ustadh Feridoon grew up in a household with a deep love and reverence for poetry. At the age of five he began to memorize poems by Rumi and other great poets. His love of poetry continued to grow and eventually developed into a passion and calling that would allow him to teach regular classes on Rumi throughout California, the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Germany and even as far as Konya, Turkey, where Mawlana Rumi is laid to rest. He is also the writer and performer of a play, Layla & Majnun, which was produced and debuted in Perth, Australia in 2019.
A man of strength and compassion, Ustadh Feraidoon is deeply committed to his belief in the Divine, finding solace and inspiration in the works of artists, philosophers, poets, and scholars alike. His approach is marked by a profound reverence for beauty as a pathway to the Divine, guiding others to connect with the Most Merciful through the transcendent power of aesthetic expression.
Dr Samir Mahmoud
Dr. Samir Mahmoud is currently Academic Director of Usul Academy (www.usul.academy). He is also Program Manager of the Diploma in Islamic Psychology at the Cambridge Muslim College. Recently he was Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University.
He has a BA (Hons) in Anthropology & Politics with a focus on multicultural theory and comparative religion, and an MA in Architectural History, Theory & Urban Design with a focus on the traditional townscape from the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. He also holds an MPhil in Theology & Religious Studies with a focus on comparative philosophy and aesthetics. He completed a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
Ustadha Sahar Dandan
Sahar has a unique blend of expertise in Islamic sciences, engineering, and organisational development. Beginning her Shariah studies in Lebanon, Sahar furthered her education under the guidance of prominent Maliki scholars abroad, studying in Mauritania with esteemed figures such as Murabit al Hajj bin Fahfou, Shaykha Maryam bint Bwayba, and Murabit Muhammad Al-Amin bin al-Shaykh May God have mercy on all of them.
Sahar holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney. Sahar’s engineering background includes over a decade of experience in leading engineering teams in sectors such as industrial gases and food manufacturing. In her professional journey, she brought her experience in project management and organisational development to various sectors, including corporate, community, and not-for-profit organisations. Her commitment to environmental sustainability led her to complete a Permaculture Design Course with Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton, and she has actively contributed to permaculture projects within the Sydney community. Her philanthropic efforts include founding Foundations for Tomorrow, which provided humanitarian aid to West Africa with a focus on sustainable initiatives, and GoActive, a pioneering sports, health, and education program for diverse women.
Currently, Sahar is the CEO of Greendale Garden Cemetery, teaches Islamic texts privately and works as a project specialist, leveraging her experience in organisational development and project management to support companies in establishing effective governance and policy frameworks, systems, processes, and strategic plans.
The Higher Realities of Love
By Dr Samir Mahmoud
Join Dr Samir as he unveils the profound essence and spiritual dimensions of love, illuminating its unique place within the tapestry of creation. This class will guide you into the depths of love’s mysteries, inviting you to marvel at its transcendent beauty while gathering pearls of wisdom from the rich legacy of Islam’s sacred tradition.
Dr Samir will explore the centrality of love in creation, examining its various hierarchies—from Divine love, to Natural and Cosmic love, and Human love. Through this class, you will encounter the intricate connections between love and beauty, love and creation, and love and the human soul.
Weaving the Fabric of Humanity: Empathy and Compassion in Action – Inspired by Persian Poets
By Ust Feraidoon Mojadedi (US)
In this transformative class, Ustadh Feraidoon will focus on cultivating empathy and compassion, drawing on timeless teachings to illuminate the shared bonds that unite all of humanity. Through the lens of profound philosophical wisdom, you will be guided towards nurturing understanding, kindness and love in your relationships and daily life.
This immersive experience will include reflective practices designed to deepen empathy and foster meaningful connections. Ustadh Feraidoon will offer valuable insights and practical tools for integrating these virtues into your life, empowering you to act from a place of love and compassion in all interactions. Together, we will explore how these timeless qualities can transform our lives and truly weave the fabric of humanity.
Hearts (Dis)Connected: Understanding True Love of Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ
By Ust Sahar Dandan
In these enlightening classes, Ustadhah Sahar will explore the profound connection between our love of Allah ﷻ and His Beloved ﷺ. Discover different levels of love in our relationship with Allah – beginning with ourselves and self-love, recognition and gratitude for His blessings, evolving into a deeper, intrinsic love for Him as our Creator and Sustainer.
We will also delve into the remarkable life of the Prophet ﷺ by understanding the spirit of his teachings that highlight his attributes of love and the impact of his mission on humanity. Together, we will reflect on the essential role of the Prophet ﷺ as a guide in our faith and daily lives, emphasising how loving him can strengthen our connection to Allah ﷻ.
Love as a Catalyst for Transformation: From Self to Society
By Dr Samir Mahmoud
In these insightful classes, Dr Samir we will explore the transformative power of love as it relates to human fellowship and social change. Delving into the many forms of love—love for creation, for others, and for the broader community—this session will examine how love shapes the way we live together and connects us to a shared sense of humanity.
In these classes, we will reflect on the role of love in personal growth, as well as its potential to drive larger social and global transformations. Linking a wide array of topics—love, the ummah, family, self, and social activism—this session will offer deep insights into how love serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, both within ourselves and across the world.
