Spiritual Retreats

The Program:

This spiritual retreat addresses the growing need for deeper religious literacy, spiritual grounding, and intellectual resilience among Muslims navigating contemporary challenges. It responds to the fragmentation of identity, the pressures of secularism, and the disconnection from tradition felt by many, particularly youth.

Rooted in the Sunni Islamic tradition, the program draws from the rich religious and cultural heritage of Albanian, Balkan, and wider European Muslim communities. It explores how Islam has historically adapted and integrated with local cultures, offering a living example of faith that is both universal and locally grounded.

What does it offer?

  • A holistic understanding of Islam that balances theology, ethics, and spirituality

  • Exposure to Qur’anic themes, the life of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ and the relevance of Islamic teachings to modern life

  • Practical tools to navigate issues like identity, secularism, gender roles, and civic engagement

  • A chance to connect deeply with both tradition and the realities of today’s world

What are the activities?

  • Teaching sessions led by scholars and intellectuals from diverse backgrounds

  • Group discussions, mentorship, and personal reflection

  • Guided visits to historical and spiritual sites in the Balkans that embody the legacy of Islam in Europe

  • Opportunities for fellowship and contemplative practice in a carefully selected natural and cultural setting

Four men wearing hats and sunglasses sitting on a boat at Koman Lake, Albania, in front of rocky landscape.
Interior of Haolum Aga Mosque in Gjakova with people seated on the floor during an event, October 2018. Arabic script and decorative elements are visible on the walls.
Traditional bazaar in Kruja, Albania with people walking on a cobblestone street lined with colorful textiles and souvenirs, October 2018.
A group of men examining a manuscript in Tirana, May 2023. One man wears gloves and holds a scroll on a table.
Three men standing in front of historic stone buildings in Berat, Albania. The foreground features ancient arches, with traditional houses built on a hillside in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, adding depth to the scene. "Visiting the Old City Berat - May '23" is captioned at the bottom.
Decorative Turkish coffee set with a cup, pot, and tray, featuring intricate designs and colorful patterns, on a tabletop. Inscription reads 'Coffee Break, Prizren - May '23.'
Group of five men sitting around a table in a room with decorative windows and patterned carpeting, labeled 'Fellowship Skopje - May '23'.
Assorted platter with grilled vegetables, bread, creamy dips, grilled cheese, pastry, and cold cuts, labeled 'Lunch Time Gjakova - June '22'.

2025 Travel Itineraries

Dates TBA {Sep ~ Oct}

 

“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation, then God will bring it into being one more time. Surely God is Most Capable of everything.”

— Quran 29:20