Wayfarers Damascus Retreat: A Journey of the Heart
Cost – £ 700 (excluding flights & visa)
17th–24th October | A Journey of the Wayfarer
There are journeys of the body, and there are journeys of the heart—this is one of the latter. An invitation to step away from the noise of the dunya and enter lands where remembrance lingers in the الهواء, where every حجر bears witness, and where the footsteps of the awliya still echo for those who listen.
In Damascus, the city of secrets and نور, you will walk paths once graced by the lovers of Allah. Sit in quiet حضور near the resting place of Sayyidah Ruqiyah bint Hussain (may Allah be pleased with them both), and let the القلب soften in the presence of Sayyiduna Bilal ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him), whose call still rises beyond time. Visit the maqam of Shaykh al-Akbar, Muhyiddin ibn Arabi (may Allah be pleased with him), and reflect on the unseen realities he unveiled for seekers of truth.
Within the sacred embrace of the Umayyad Mosque, stand between earth and heaven, where prophets once stood and hearts still awaken. Gather your thoughts in the subtle stillness of the 40 Abdaal, and feel the quiet pull toward repentance at Jami‘ al-Tawbah. In the company of the righteous—Shaykh Abu Noor and Shaykh Amin al-Kaftarow (may Allah be pleased with them)—you are reminded that the path is walked with humility, love, and surrender.
Journey onward to Bosra, to sit in the spiritual shade of Imam Abdul Ghani al-Nabulusi and Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah be pleased with them), whose words continue to illuminate the الطريق long after their passing. Even the ancient stones of the Bahira Monastery whisper of لقاءات written before time.
In Homs, stand before the resting place of Khalid ibn al-Walid (may Allah be pleased with him), the Sword of Allah, and reflect on what it means to strive with sincerity. Visit the maqam of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him), a ruler whose justice was born from deep taqwa, and remember the 70 Sahaba who gave all for the sake of Allah—lives surrendered in truth and certainty.
In Aleppo, enter a city that carries both wounds and wisdom. Within its Umayyad Mosque rests the blessed memory of Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him), a reminder that patience and du‘a are never lost. Walk the ancient Citadel, where الزمن pauses, and conclude in the presence of Shaykh Muhammad Abu al-Huda al-Sayyadi (may Allah be pleased with him), among those الذين عرفوا… and were known.
This is not a tour—it is a sohbah with history, a لقاء with barakah, a gentle unveiling for the seeker. Come not only to see, but to feel. Not only to visit, but to be transformed.
For the one who seeks… the path is already calling.
Travel Logistics:
Hotel Accommodation (17th Oct to 24th Oct): Comfortable shared rooms (up to three people) with en-suite bathrooms, arranged separately for males and females.
Meals: Daily breakfast is included; participants are free to explore local cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Entry Requirements: A passport with at least 6 months’ validity is required.
Financials: The visa cost is *$150 USD* (payable in cash at Damascus airport) and is not included in the retreat price. Please bring hard currency (USD), as debit and credit cards are not accepted in Syria.
Connectivity: It is recommended to obtain a local SIM card upon arrival for updates via the retreat’s dedicated WhatsApp group.
