The Marifah Retreats are immersive spiritual experiences designed to help seekers purify the heart, renew faith, and reconnect with Allah.
Led by Sufi Jamil Ahmed Sukhera and held at the serene Marifah Astana in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, these retreats blend the timeless practices of dhikr, silence, and service with reflection and self-discovery.
Retreat is not escape from the world — it is a return to the heart.
— Sufi Jamil Ahmed Sukhera
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would spend days in reflection at the Cave of Hira — a tradition of solitude that inspired the spiritual path of retreat (khalwah).
Following this prophetic model, Marifah Retreats invite you to detach from distractions and rediscover your inner clarity.
Purify the heart from anxiety and heedlessness.
Strengthen the connection between dhikr and daily life.
Restore mental and emotional balance through stillness.
Cultivate love, humility, and service to others.
A Marifah Retreat is more than a weekend getaway — it’s a journey of transformation.
From the moment you arrive, the rhythm of life slows down.
Prayer becomes deeper, the Qur’an more meaningful, and every conversation carries the fragrance of remembrance.
Each retreat focuses on a unique aspect of spiritual and personal development.
Participants may attend multiple retreats throughout the year to deepen their journey.
Every retreat follows a carefully designed routine that aligns the body, mind, and spirit.
Participants live simply, following adab (spiritual manners) and discipline that foster peace and focus.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Tahajjud & Fajr Prayer |
| 7:00 AM | Qur’an Reflection / Morning Dhikr |
| 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Rest |
| 11:00 AM | Lecture or Discussion |
| 1:15 PM | Dhuhr Prayer |
| 2:00 PM | Personal Reflection / Service |
| 4:30 PM | Asr Prayer & Study Circle |
| 6:00 PM | Maghrib & Dhikr Gathering |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner & Fellowship |
| 9:30 PM | Isha & Night Contemplation |
Marifah Retreats welcome men and women of all ages and backgrounds — Muslims and seekers alike.
Whether you are a beginner or have walked this path for years, you will find companionship, learning, and tranquility here.
To make the most of your retreat, come with simplicity and openness.
Avoid bringing distractions, and prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for a few days of peace, prayer, and companionship.
Modest clothing suitable for prayer and outdoor walks.
Journal or notebook for reflection.
Personal prayer mat and Qur’an.
A heart ready to listen and learn.
When the heart finds silence, it remembers who it belongs to.
— Sufi Jamil Ahmed Sukhera
Each retreat is a reminder that peace is not far away — it lives within you.
All it takes is stepping away from the world to return to your true self.
