From Distractions to Direction: Your Path to Clarity and Purpose
In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, distractions are everywhere. From constant notifications to the overwhelming presence of social media, staying focused and spiritually grounded can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Join us for the 2025 Kufah Annual Retreat and discover how to reclaim your focus, renew your purpose, and align your life with the principles that truly matter.
Why You Should Attend
- Find Mental Clarity: Learn practical strategies to break free from distractions, whether they stem from digital overload, stress, or mental clutter.
- Realign Your Focus: Dive deep into meaningful discussions and gain tools to sharpen your focus on what truly matters — your faith, relationships, and personal growth.
- Engage with Renowned Scholars: Benefit from the wisdom and guidance of Sh. Omar Hussaini, Sh. Kamaluddin Ahmed, and Dr. Jawad Pervez as they share powerful insights to help you live a life of purpose and balance.
- Interactive and Reflective Sessions: Participate in discussions, reflections, and interactive activities designed to engage your heart and mind.
- Special Itikaf Experience: Brothers will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in spiritual reflection during the Itikaf program on Friday night (limited to ages ages 16+)
What You’ll Experience
- “Drowning in Distraction: Finding Focus” – Find clarity in the midst of chaos and tools to refocus your life.
- “Disconnect to Reconnect: Breaking Free from Digital Traps” – Explore ways to break free from digital traps and reconnect with faith, family, and yourself.
- “Screened In: The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health” – Understand the profound effects of social media on mental health and how to navigate it wisely.
Meet the Speakers:
Shaykh Omar Hussaini
Shaykh Dr. Mohammad Omar Hussaini memorized the Quran at Ma’had Ta’lim ul-Islam. He holds a BA in Psychology (2000) and MD degree. In 2006, he received degrees in both Shari’ah studies from Darul Uloom Zakariyyah, South Africa and Medicine from the University of Illinois. From 2007 to 2013, Shaykh Omar completed his medical residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and fellowships in Hematopathology and Molecular Genetic Pathology at Washington University in St. Louis. During this time, he was also received formal authorization in the Islamic science of spiritual purification. Shaykh Omar is currently Director of Molecular Hematopathology at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Associate Professor of Oncological Sciences at the University of South Florida in Tampa where he resides. Shaykh Omar lectures at retreats, I’tikaaf programs, universities, local and national conferences, and mosques throughout the United States and abroad on various Islamic topics. He also teaches weekly classes in Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, and spirituality.
Shaykh Kamaluddin Ahmed
Shaykh Kamaluddin Ahmed was born and raised in Manhattan where his father served as an Under-Secretary General at the United Nations for twenty years. While at college at the University of Chicago, he turned to religion and in 1999 he left America and spent almost twenty years abroad studying to become a Shariah ‘Alim and then serving as a teacher and guide to university students and professionals in Pakistan, England, and South Africa. From 2005-2016, he was a professor at the top elite universities in Pakistan, including LUMS, AKU, and KSBL. In 2017, he returned to academia to pursue a PhD in Islamic Intellectual History at the University of Oxford. From 2020-2023, he held research fellowships in Islamic philosophy at Princeton University and Yale University. Since 2023, he has been working at a leading nonprofit in the Princeton area.
Dr Jawad Pervez
Dr. Jawad Pervez grew up in the Chicagoland area where he completed his BA in Psychology from Loyola University and then went onto medical school at Midwestern University. He completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center in 2015 with a specialization in women’s mental health. He currently works as a Psychiatrist for Advocate Health in Kenosha, WI. Throughout his adolescence and adult life, Dr. Pervez has been in the company of traditional scholars, and is currently enrolled in the Sacred Learning Individual Study program. During his free time, Dr. Pervez corresponds with scholars in addressing the psychiatric needs of the community and regularly conducts presentations and seminars on various mental health topics. He currently resides with his wife and children in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Details:
- Friday February 14th at 6:30pm to Saturday February 15th at 9pm
- Masjid Darussalam 15830 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
This retreat is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate your focus!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the program be live-streamed?
The program will not be live-streamed. There will be a video feed on site to the old masjid for sisters who cannot enter the masjid.
Will recordings be available if we miss a session?
We plan to make recordings of the event available in some capacity after its conclusion. Live attendees are welcome to make personal recordings for their own review and to support their learning.
Is the intensive open for both men and women of all ages?
The sessions are open to both men and women ages 14 and up.
Can my children attend the program?
Children may attend with a parent. Accommodations will be made in the side hall or old masjid for women with children.
Can I attend a portion of the program?
Students are welcome to attend whatever portion of the program their schedule allows, but we encourage full attendance.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is designed for anyone seeking to break free from modern distractions and realign their focus on personal growth and spirituality. It is particularly geared toward college students, young professionals, and community members who want to explore practical strategies for overcoming digital overwhelm and enhancing mental well-being. Whether you are looking for a deeper understanding of how distractions impact your faith or tools to find clarity in a fast-paced world, this retreat is for you.
What if I cannot pay the registration fee?
If you are unable to pay the fee, please don’t hesitate to register. Simply select the option indicating “Waived Fee” and you will be able to register without paying the fee.