arrived at our cabin retreat in the English countryside where my daughter and I met up with sisters from across England and as far away as Tanzania and Trinidad. We began with a professional pampering: a facial massage using organic oils and scrubs along with a manicure or pedicure. Those on retreat took our assigned rooms, some of us sharing space, others preferring a little solitude at night.* We did many activities at the retreat, including our daily morning yoga, one-on-one consultations, horse riding, archery, Qur’anic reflections, working on journals with Nilly from storidori.co.uk and one of my favourites – learning how to play the drums for a finale we would all take part in. It was a roaring send-off back to the city for the final tourist leg of my adventure. But as my daughter and I packed our bags to go back to London, we realised we were taking away more than a series of events – we had grown from the experience. We all have hopes and dreams and we all have problems. Some sisters were at the retreat as young single women or marking the beginning, continuation or end of a marriage. Some of us were celebrating a child’s acceptance into university, some were in the midst of the struggle to raise tweens and teens or were taking some time off from the demanding life of being a new or young mum. We all had stories to tell, struggles to share and we found quiet listeners and valuable advice. Some stories I think will be in my heart forever, creating a love and appreciation for the strength of women who forge onwards despite incredible challenges, challenges which you can tell have brought them closer to Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) make it easy for my lovelies…” *All retreaters get their own private room on the London retreat.

my destiny
For surely, we could all leave a legacy At the reconnect, it is time to reflect
Time to give ourselves more respect Breathe in, breathe out At the riad, a choice of a tranquil, African and white room,
I was destined for the red room In it I found a small mouse, timid and frail,
“You are intruding and must leave!” I said, holding it by its tail Breathe in, breathe out Mnsemen, bahrir and eggs for brunch
Mechoui and tanjia for lunch Rashid, our guide, fluent in English, German and the Berber dialect
Explains about the ben Yousef madrassa, which has stunning architecture Breathe in, breathe out It’s all about making the right choice
Let the world hear your voice Breathe in, breathe out I love the hot, fulfilling harira
And still have to visit the palace Bahia “I need to buy zelij and more honey”
“Can we go to Hotel Ali to change money?”
Breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe out I learnt to cook the tagine at Amal
And I chose not to get on the Jamal We stand together as one team
Ready to follow our dream We leave with new friendship and a strong sisterhood
Learning to say could instead of should Breathe in, breathe out My destiny is calling
I should stop stalling Breathe in, breathe out
Slowly become aware of your surroundings
And when you are ready open your eyes