Welcome! Thank you for your interest in attending our 12th Annual Newcomers Retreat from Wednesday, August 26th - Sunday, August 30th in Oregon, IL.
The Newcomers’ Retreat is designed to empower Ta’leef's annual cohort of newcomers through education while building strong bonds of fellowship to consolidate their faith and maximize their potential as leaders.
This retreat provides newcomers to Islam the necessary theological, legal, spiritual and social understanding of Islam. The weekend intensive will include: foundational courses in sacred sciences, workshops on wellness, as well as activities for cultivating social and emotional intelligence. Check out this short video to see more about this retreat.
We are excited to be hosting the retreat this year in Illinois at the Stronghold Retreat Center in Oregon, IL. It is a unique venue about 1.5 hours West of Chicago. We want to make this years retreat accessible to all of the Chicagoland community. If you are flying in from out of town, look for flights into O'hare airport. Car pooling will be possible, but dependant on availability.
DETAILS:
- 4 night/ 5 day stay at the Stronghold Retreat Center
- 3 daily meals and snacks each throughout the retreat
- Newcomers Retreat Gift inclusive of all learning essentials
- Mentorship and classes with experienced content providers. Previous teachers have included Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, Shaykh Tarif Arabi, Ustadh Mahdy Amine, Shaykh Ubaydullah Evans, Shaykh Santiago, Shaykh Fouad Elgohari, Shaykh Jamaal Diwan, Ustadh Mike Swies, Anse Hazel Gomez, Shaykh Adeyinka Mendes, Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi, Dr. Asad Tarsin, Dr. Meraj Mohiuddin, Imam Dawood Yasin, Ustadh Amir Muhammad, Dr. Nadia Katrangi, Shaykh Umair Haseeb, Ustadha Ndidi Okakpu, Sensei Ariel Syuhadayana, Dr. Will Caldwell and more!
- Daily Activities such as swimming, hiking, archery, and more.
LEARNING MODULES:
- Knowing Allah- Dynamic class reframing the way we think about and interact with our Creator, as well as, how we understand our purpose in this life
- Being Muslim- Engaging class building a familiarity and grounding in the core practices of Islam
- Living the Qur'an- Unique class diving deep into the Quran to build a deeper appreciation and familiarity with God's Word.
- The Heart of Islam- Heart melting session understanding the life and demeanor of Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace.
- Heartwork- Transformative sessions after each early morning prayer (fajr) focusing on the purification of our hearts and refinement of our character.
- Love & Service Track- This is for those who have already attended the retreat to study a selected text, develop a deeper commitment to serving God's creation, and develop skills integral to leadership.
WORKSHOPS:
There are a series of workshops that we work into this retreat including the setting of intentions, developing increased self-knowledge, navigating culture & religion, exploring nuances of practicing Islam for men and for women in small groups, setting goals, finding partners in accountability and more.
ACTIVITIES:
- Team-building
- Swimming
- Sacred Hikes
- Mindfulness
- Wellness
- Archery
- Bonfire
- Entertainment
Please take 10-15 minutes to complete this application. A member of our team will be in touch to schedule an interview and review next steps!
APPLICATION STEPS AND DEADLINES:
- Complete 10-15min application before August 19th, 2026. Scholarships are limited and awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
- Interview with Ta'leef staff starting July 15th, 2026.
- Receive acceptance letter starting August 1st, 2026 & begin preparatory readings and assignments.
- Book travel accommodations. Send info to Ta'leef staff.
- Info Session for the public in August 4th, 2026.
- Virtual Orientation for confirmed attendees on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026.
- Arrive at the Retreat Center in the evening of August 26th, 2026.
