The Mainstay Foundation presents an immersive retreat designed to deepen faith, foster personal growth, and connect participants with timeless Islamic principles. Over the course of this spiritual journey, attendees will engage in acts of worship, thought-provoking discussions, and moments of reflection. This retreat integrates spiritual teachings, contemplative free time, and sessions focused on self-development, drawing inspiration from the lives of the Prophets, Imams, and key Islamic values. By the end of the retreat, attendees will leave spiritually rejuvenated, equipped with actionable insights, and ready to embark on a continued journey of self-discovery and divine connection.
- Deeper Spiritual Connection Strengthened relationship with Allah through acts of worship, supplications, and reflections on divine principles.
- Greater Understanding of Islamic Principles Enhanced knowledge of core concepts such as Tawheed, Imamah, Willaya, and Jihad al-Nafs and application to personal growth and societal responsibilities.
- Strengthened Faith and Identity Clarity in their role as active followers of Islam, particularly in awaiting the Imam of the Time (aj). Inspiration to embody Islamic values in personal and communal life.
- Tools for Self-Development Strategies for self-purification and overcoming internal struggles (Nafs). Awareness of spiritual opportunities during sacred times like Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan.
- Community Building Opportunities for meaningful discussions, networking, and building lasting relationships and developing a sense of belonging
- Motivation for Positive Action A commitment to implement lessons learned in daily life to enhance personal character and community while preparing spiritually and practically for the advent of the 12th Imam (aj).
Shaykh Aous Asfar
Shaykh Aous is an educator, a lecturer and an author. He is the founder of Knowledgeseekers, an educational non-profit 501c3 organization that focuses on inspiring, educating and elevating the youth to realize their intrinsic self-worth and purpose in life, helping them lead purposeful lives that are ethical and well-rooted in knowledge.
A graduate of McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and a student of Bahth Kharej (advanced studies) under the supervision of the office of Ayatullah Sistani in the Holy City of Najaf.
Shaykh Ali Nazaal
Shaykh Ali Nazzal was born in Dearborn, MI. He is a graduate of Wayne State University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. From 2016 onward, he has lived in Qum, Iran, where he has pursued a formal seminary education in such sciences as Fiqh and Uṣūl al-Fiqh.
Ilwiyyah Israa Safieddine
Ilwiyyah Israa Safieddine is a teacher and educational consultant from Michigan who specializes in Islamic instruction and educational training. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she earned an MA in public administration with a focus in assessment and evaluation. She also studied at Jami`at al-Zahra in Qom, as well as al-Qaem Institute in the US. Between 2016 and 2018, she taught theology at the Hawza Ilmiyya of England. She is a founding member and an instructor for Workshops for Islamic Educators (WIE), as well as the interfaith coordinator for Risalat International Institute. In the summer of 2022, she co-founded the Oasis Institute for Outreach & Education, an initiative dedicated to meeting increasing demands for Islamic programs and courses (edoasis.org).
Shaykh Basil Al-Haddad
Biography coming soon…
Hajj Jalal Moughania
Hajj Jalal Moughania is an international lawyer, speaker, and author. He has written and translated several original works on Islam such as the late Grand Ayatollah M.S. al-Hakeem’s ‘Marjaeya: A Candid Conversation’. He is the co-author of ‘The Pope Meets the Ayatollah: An Introduction to Shi’a Islam’ and author of ‘Ali: The Elixir of Love’. His most recent work is a historical narrative of the life of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, ‘Husayn: The Saga of Hope’. Hajj Jalal holds a doctorate in law and serves as principal attorney and chief communications officer of ATLaw. He is a co-founder of the Mainstay Foundation and serves on its board of directors.
Hajj Wissam Bazzi
Hajj Wissam Bazzi is recognized in the Direct Sales industry as one of the top training experts in coaching Leadership, Management, Sales, Marketing, and Personal Development. He works directly with high-level executives in life and business planning and also develops curricula for companies that are improving staff in sales, management, and leadership positions. He also works within operations departments to support and grow a team of professionals who manage the day-to-day operations of sales campaigns implemented across the U.S. on behalf of its clients. Clients include AT&T, Direct Energy, and Comcast. Wissam’s background studies are in neuropsychology at the University of Michigan, and he is a certified executive performance coach.
- WHEN
- January 3-5, 2025
- WHERE
- Marryville Retreat Center
- 18307 Taylor Lake Rd. Holly, MI 48442
- WHO
- College Students & Young Professionals
- COST
- $300 per participant
- REGISTRATION DEADLINE
- December 19, 2024
register today