Our Winter Retreat in Review
What an inspiring and uplifting weekend we had at the Winter Retreat 2025! From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025, families gathered at the beautiful Hollowford Centre in Derbyshire for a much-needed break, spiritual enrichment and abundant quality time together.
Why we came together
The retreat was designed to give families a chance to step away from the busyness of daily life, be surrounded by nature, and invest in their moral, spiritual and relational growth. It aligned strongly with our mission at Karimia: to support individuals and families in developing life-skills, moral and spiritual values, through a combination of education, worship and recreation.
What unfolded
Over the weekend, we enjoyed a rich blend of worship, workshops, children’s activities and outdoor fun. Some of the highlights:
- Group recitation of Surah Yaseen with translation after Fajr, followed by Ishraq prayer.
- Congregational prayers, creating a peaceful, reflective rhythm for the weekend.
- Workshops and presentations on leadership, Islamic lifestyle and our role in society, sparking meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
- Recreational activities for young people: zip-wire, archery, axe-throwing and challenge course. These activities provided fun, challenge, teamwork and fresh air.
What distinguished this retreat
- Holistic balance: Worship and spiritual growth were given equal weight to fun and family time.
- Family-centred: The retreat welcomed whole families, creating a supportive network, enabling both children and adults to grow together and connect with others.
- Values in action: A key aim was to develop virtues such as honesty, compassion, justice, patience and humility. The setting, discussions and activities all helped families to live these out.
Glowing feedback from participants
The feedback we received has been truly fantastic. Families shared how the retreat allowed them to deepen their connection with the deen in a relaxed, distraction-free environment. Boosted their children’s confidence, teamwork and communication skills through the outdoor activities. Helped them build friendships with other like-minded families, creating a supportive community beyond the weekend. Provided memories of joy, peace and inspiration that continue to impact their everyday lives.
One parent reflected: “This retreat has changed the way our children talk about teamwork and service at home. They came back motivated and excited to help.” Another participant said: “For the first time in years, we felt truly rested, spiritually revived and connected, insha’Allah we will come again.”
A huge thank-you to all the families and young people who joined us, to the staff and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy, and to our supporters whose generosity made this experience possible. Your presence, your enthusiasm and your openness are the reasons this retreat was such a success.
May Allah accept our efforts, strengthen our bonds, increase our virtues and guide us on the path of continuous tarbiya (training and moral/spiritual development).
