Synopsis
Light of Ilm Retreat 2026
“The Peaceful Heart”
Finding Peace through Ridaa with Divine Decree
2-5 July 2026
Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia
Synopsis
Light of Ilm Retreat 2026
presents "The Peaceful Heart"—a transformative 4-day, 3-night
spiritual journey designed to address one of the most profound yet often
unspoken spiritual challenges: displeasure with the Divine Decree.
The immersive retreat guides
participants toward cultivating Qalbun Saleem (a sound,
surrendered heart) that is completely at peace with Allah's will.
It will also touch on
applications of qalbun saleem within family relations, with a particular focus
on marital couples and how husbands/men can embody the spirit of true qawwamah
in the age of misconstrued concepts of female independence and empowerment, and
how women can embody the spirit of the feminine as a true companion.
Through integrated sessions
combining Islamic psychology, Quranic contemplation, and studies of prophetic
traditions, participants will explore practical pathways to inner
transformation, spiritual healing, and meaningful connection with the Divine.
More than an educational experience, it is an invitation to embark on a deeply personal journey of heart purification and soul alignment with Divine Will, guided by renowned scholar Dr. Rania Awaad and Dr Khairudin Aljunied, set within the serene sanctuary of Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia. This retreat is open for both male and female attendees.
Core
Themes
- Understanding
Qalbun Saleem
This foundational theme
introduces the Quranic concept of qalbun saleem and establishes
the spiritual framework for the entire retreat. Participants will explore what
it means to possess a heart that is sound, whole, and fully surrendered to
Allah.
This theme unpacks the anatomy of the spiritual heart and how its health determines one’s relationship with the Divine Decree.
Key areas of exploration: the nature and station of the heart in Islamic spirituality; signs of a sound heart versus a diseased heart; the relationship between the heart’s soundness and one’s acceptance of qadr; classical scholarly perspectives on what constitutes true surrender.
- Diagnosing
the Disease: Displeasure with Divine Decree
This theme addresses the core
spiritual ailment that the retreat seeks to heal. Displeasure with the Divine
Decree can manifest in subtle and overt ways — from chronic anxiety and
bitterness to a quiet erosion of faith during trials.
Dr. Rania Awaad will use her
expertise in Islamic psychology to help participants identify the roots of this
displeasure within themselves, bridging classical spiritual diagnosis with
modern psychological insight.
Key areas of exploration: how displeasure with qadr manifests in everyday life (anger, envy, despair, complaint); the psychological underpinnings of resistance to Allah’s will; case studies from prophetic stories and the lives of the righteous; the distinction between natural human grief and spiritual displeasure.
- Cultivating
Divine Contentment
Having diagnosed the disease,
this theme turns to the cure. Ridaa (contentment with Allah’s decree) is the
antidote to displeasure with divine decree, and this theme explores practical,
spiritual, and psychological pathways to cultivating it. Participants will
learn actionable steps drawn from the prophetic tradition, classical
scholarship and wisdom, to actively nurture contentment in their daily lives.
Key areas of exploration:
the station of ridaa among the stations of the heart (maqaamaat);
practical exercises for cultivating gratitude and trust in Allah; the role of
dhikr, du‘aa, and worship in healing the heart; how to navigate trials with
grace — moving from sabr (patience) to ridaa (contentment).
- Reaching the Station of Gratitude (Shukr)
Having cultivated ridaa
(contentment with Allah's decree), the heart is now prepared to ascend to an
even loftier station: that of Shukr, where gratitude becomes not merely an
obligation of the tongue, but a lived reality of the soul.
This theme explores how the
healing of displeasure leads to the awakening of profound thankfulness, a
gratitude rooted not in the absence of hardship, but in the deep comprehension
that every decree carries divine wisdom and an expression of Allah's perfect
love for His servant.
Through witnessing the subtle and
manifest ways in which Allah guides, protects, and provides, the believer moves
from patient acceptance to active, joyful recognition of divine favor.
This station transforms the
heart's relationship with trials, blessings, and the ordinary moments of life
into opportunities for genuine appreciation and deeper connection with the
Divine.
Key areas of exploration:
the station of Shukr among the stations of the heart and its relationship to
ridaa; developing a gratitude practice grounded in Islamic tradition;
recognizing divine wisdom hidden within trials and blessings; the
transformative power of witnessing Allah's attributes (sifat) through His
decrees; strengthening the heart's capacity for wonder and awe; practical
expressions of gratitude through action, speech, and intention; moving from
gratitude as duty to gratitude as a natural overflow of the awakened heart.
- The
Peaceful Heart in Family Landscape
This theme translates the spirit of surrender into the most
intimate sphere of human life: the family. What does ridaa with the Divine
Decree look like when lived out between husband and wife? This theme explores
the Quranic metaphor of libaas (garment) — the idea that spouses are meant to
cover, protect, comfort, and beautify one another — and examines qawaamah
(loving stewardship) as a form of spiritual responsibility, not authority.
- Heart
Purification Together: Tazkiyah for Marital Couples
This culminating theme brings together the individual and
relational dimensions of heart purification. Marriage is not only a social
contract but a spiritual partnership in which both spouses can help one another
draw closer to Allah. Participants will be guided through the concept of mutual
tazkiyah — how couples can serve as mirrors for each other’s spiritual growth,
hold one another accountable with gentleness, and create a home environment
that nurtures qalbun saleem.
Key areas of exploration: the spiritual diseases that commonly arise in marriage (hasad, kibr, ghafla) and their remedies; how spouses can support each other’s spiritual journey without overstepping; building a family culture rooted in dhikr, shukr, and tawbah; raising children with hearts inclined toward ridaa.
Retreat
Elements
- Intensive
lectures based on classical books deep dive
- Quran
study & tafsir
- Guided
Tazkiyah sessions (spiritual purification)
- Silent
reflection & dhikr
- Tahajjud
gatherings
Details
Primary
Retreat Facilitators
Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad
Clinical Professor of
Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of the
Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab. She brings
expertise in bridging classical spiritual healing with contemporary
psychological understanding. Dr. Awaad is a nationally recognized speaker,
award-winning teacher, researcher and author in both the Islamic and medical
sciences.
Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad is a pioneer of Islamic
psychology in the Western world and Executive Director of Maristan, a holistic
mental health nonprofit serving Muslim communities.
She is particularly passionate
about uncovering the historical roots of mental health care in the Islamic
intellectual heritage. She is also the Clinical Director of the San Francisco
Bay Area branches of the Khalil Center, a spiritual wellness center pioneering
the application of traditional Islamic spiritual healing methods to modern
clinical psychology.
She is also the Director of
Rahmah Foundation, an independent educational organization committed to
designing educational programs that address topics unique to Muslim women and
girls. At The Rahmah Foundation, she oversees the Murbiyah spiritual mentoring
program for girls.
Prior to studying medicine, she
pursued classical Islamic studies in Damascus, Syria and holds certifications
(ijaza) in Quran, Islamic Law, and other branches of the Islamic
Sciences.
She has also served as the first female Professor of Islamic Law at Zaytuna College, in Berkeley, CA, where she taught courses on Shafi’i Fiqh, Women’s Fiqh and Quranic sciences for nearly a decade.
Dr. Khairudin Aljunied
Dr. Khairudin Aljunied (PhD
SOAS, London) is currently a tenured Associate Professor at the National
University of Singapore.
He is concurrently a Senior
Fellow (formerly Professor and Malaysia Chair of Islam in Southeast Asia) at
the Alwaleed Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown
University.
He has held visiting full
professorships at Columbia University, USA (Fulbright Program) in 2013,
University of Brunei Darussalam in 2021-2022, and the University of Malaya in
2022-2023.
In 2024, 2025 and 2026, he is
listed as one of the 500 influential Muslims in the world: https://themuslim500.com
A recognized specialist in the field of intellectual history, Khairudin Aljunied’s research focuses on the connections between Southeast Asia and Global Islam. He is the author and editor of thirteen books and more than thirty internationally refereed articles.
Puan Anita Abu Bakar
Puan Anita is the founder of Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) Malaysia is Malaysia’s first lived-experience-led mental health movement, built on the belief that recovery is possible and dignity is non-negotiable.
Today, as Founder and President of MIASA and Chairman of National Advocacy for Mental Health Association (NAMhA), she leads a grassroots-to-policy ecosystem that supports thousands through peer support, community-based recovery, inclusive advocacy, and anti-stigma initiatives.
Under her leadership, MIASA has implemented close to 1,300 programmes and reached over 21 million individuals nationwide through mental health awareness initiatives, training programmes, crisis intervention, and recovery support services.
A key achievement under Anita’s leadership was the establishment of The Orchid Clubhouse, Malaysia’s first peer-led crisis management and activity centre. MIASA also provides 24/7 crisis support, outreach services, counselling, and holistic recovery programmes, offering accessible and compassionate mental health support to those in need.
Retreat
Location
Tanjong Jara Resort: A Sanctuary for the Soul
4 Days, 3 Nights of Stillness, Spirit &
Surrender
Tanjong Jara Resort is modelled after the graceful Istanas
(palaces) of Malay royalty. Every timber beam, every carved gable, every breath
of sea air that passes through its open corridors carries a quiet message: slow
down, reconnect, remember.
Chosen as the location for our retreat, Tanjong Jara is
shaped by centuries of wisdom about how human beings are meant to live in
harmony with the natural world.
Over the retreat’s duration, this Aga Khan Award for Architecture-winner will not just be an accommodation, but also a partner in our retreat participants’ journey to their own inner worlds.
What Awaits Your Soul
-
Exclusive classes with:
- Shaykha Dr Rania Awaad — International Islamic scholars and Islamic Psychologist - experts in Mental Health
- Dr Khairudin Aljunied - A specialist in the field of intellectual history and study of Islam
- Puan Anita Bakar from Mental Health Inclusion, Awareness, Support and Advocacy Assosiation (MIASA) Malaysia
- A breathtaking five-star retreat nestled between a pristine beach and lush forest — a space for reflection, healing, and connection
- Brothers’ Intensive: Navigating the Challenges of Being a Qawwam Today
- Comfortable shared accommodation (2 pax per room)
-
Nourishing daily meals — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
(including 1 special Barbeque Dinner) - Full Recording Access to revisit the beneficial reminders and reflections anytime
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Card (Paypal)
- Billplz
