By (Mona) Khadijahmah Bte Abdul Barik

Alhamdulillah, what a mercy from Allah ﷻ to have experienced such a beautiful and soul-nourishing Ramadhan retreat in Penang. This retreat awakened something deep within me, a quiet joy and peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.

At first, I didn’t think I could go. My dear husband relies on me, especially during Ramadhan, and the thought of leaving him without help seemed impossible. Our maid had been around to assist, but on the eve of Ramadhan, she left. SubhanAllah, it felt like Allah ﷻ Himself was paving the way for me. With complete trust in His plan, I decided to go.
And what a blessing it turned out to be.

From the moment we arrived, I felt surrounded by Rahmah. The setting was serene: peaceful skies, fresh air, the sound of nature, and hearts gathered solely to seek Allah’s pleasure. The weather was kind, the event was well-organised, and everyone was warm and helpful. There was a beautiful sense of unity, and it truly felt like a family. What made it especially meaningful was spending the final ten nights of Ramadhan together, the most sacred nights of the month. Nights that may include Laylatul Qadr, about which Allah says:

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

Quran 97:3

TO BE IN COLLECTIVE WORSHIP DURING THESE NIGHTS, SURROUNDED BY SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN FAITH WHO WERE STRIVING JUST AS SINCERELY, WAS AN EXPERIENCE I WILL FOREVER TREASURE. THERE WAS CONSTANT LIGHTNESS IN THE SOUL, A CLOSENESS TO ALLAH THAT WORDS COULDN’T FULLY CAPTURE.

We were guided by the wisdom of Ustaz Sameer, whose words did more than teach—they inspired. He reminded us that no matter where we are in life, it’s never too late to draw nearer to Allah ﷻ, to purify the heart, and to live with a purpose. His presence is a blessing, and may Allah ﷻ reward him for his efforts, in this life and the next.

I was also touched by how well everyone got along—people of different ages and backgrounds, helping one another with sincere care. We laughed, we reflected, we grew, and we felt the love of sisterhood purely for the sake of Allah.

If someone were to ask me today, “What has been one of your most cherished experiences?” I would answer without hesitation: this retreat. It reminded me that Allah’s door is always open, and that even in later stages of life, the soul still longs—and is able—to grow.

InshaAllah, I hope to return, and I pray Allah ﷻ grants us all the strength, health, and intention to continue walking toward Him. May Allah ﷻ bless our beloved Ustaz Sameer, and may He accept every moment of worship from everyone who attended. Ameen.

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