Introducing the Productive Muslim Retreat in Uzbekistan!
Discover Your Heritage & Get Ready to Serve the Ummah
Shawwal 11th-18th, 1443H (May 13th-20th, 2022)
Registration for the Productive Muslim Retreat in Uzbekistan is now closed. Please add your name to the waiting list if you’re interested to join our upcoming retreats.
Are you a Muslim Professional, Entrepreneur, or Business Owner that wants to serve the Ummah?
Alhamdulillah—Allah has blessed you with so much. Wealth, family, health...
You recognize these blessings and want to give back to the Ummah.
But it's tough...
Between work, family, and trying to get enough sleep, you rarely have time to think about how you can make a difference to your society and the Ummah at large.
And even if you have enough time—sometimes, you don't know where to start or how to do something meaningful with so much uncertainty in the world today.
To help you think through these challenges, we're inviting you to join the upcoming Productive Muslim Retreat in Uzbekistan.
Disconnect from your life, and connect to your Islamic heritage and the inspiring history of people who made a difference in the Ummah.
If you always wanted to do something meaningful for the Ummah but felt stuck, unaccomplished, and unsure where to start, this retreat would be an excellent start for you. Or if you're somebody who has a project for the Ummah, but you've lost motivation and inspiration, then come join us to renew your intentions and set a new course of action for yourself and your project insha'Allah.
What is the Productive Muslim Retreat?
The Productive Muslim Retreat is an opportunity for you to get away from the distractions of life and immerse yourself in learning, exploring, and connecting with other like-minded Muslims about what it means to live a meaningful life.
You’ll have time to reflect on what matters most in your life while being inspired by others (past and present) who are doing amazing things for their communities.
This is our fifth retreat, but it’s our first time hosting the retreat in Uzbekistan. So come join us on this incredible journey as we explore the history of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and the Timurid Renaissance and what it means for you.
You won't want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Space is limited so sign up now before it fills up!
What is Unique about Productive Muslim Retreats?
Productive Muslim Retreats are experiential journeys where we create safe environments for you to:
- Discover yourself and your purpose in life
- Connect with like-minded people
- Be inspired to be a better version of yourself
“
Different people would get different things out of the retreat... I brought four kids with me, and my wife, and alhamdulillah we had a very enjoyable time.
ABDUR RAHMAN SYED
“
The wealth of knowledge and resources that I have been able to pick up in the last two days has just been completely amazing.
FADILAH
“
It's a really eye-opening experience to speak to people from so many different countries... you get to learn from each other. I really had fun and learnt a lot.
ABIDAH
“
I highly recommend this for Muslims out there, in the past year I've seen great change and development in myself.
SAMIA
What’s Special about this Retreat in Uzbekistan?
History reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves; and that’s why we're hosting the upcoming retreat in Uzbekistan, the land of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and other amazing scholars, scientists, and artists from our past who made incredible contributions to the Ummah.
We want you to leave this retreat feeling inspired to do something meaningful with your life for the sake of Allah (SWT).
We’ll be coaching you throughout this retreat to think about how to connect the history of the incredible people/places you’ll visit with your personal and professional life. You'll also be able to connect with other like-minded Muslim professionals who also want to make a difference in the Ummah—you never know who you’ll meet on this trip!
Join us at the Productive Muslim Retreat in Uzbekistan—we promise it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!
What’s the Itinerary* of this Retreat?
Day 1 - Tashkent: Arrival and Welcome
11 SHAWWAL 1443H (13 MAY 2022)
Upon arrival in Tashkent, our local team will pick you up from the airport and check you in at your hotel.
You’ll have time to rest and recover, and if you feel energetic, we’ve arranged some optional sightseeing tours for you, including visiting:
- Hazrati Imam Complex
- Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
- Romanov’s Palace
- Alisher Navoi Theatre
- Amir Temur Square
At 5:00 pm, we’ll have our welcome session, where you’ll meet your fellow retreat participants, go over retreat logistics, and start setting intentions for what you'd like to get out of the retreat. We'll sleep early because we have a big trip next morning!
Day 2 - Samarkand: The Timurid Renaissance
12 SHAWWAL 1443H (14 MAY 2022)
We'll start day 2 with Fajr prayers in our rooms, followed by early breakfast at the hotel. We'll need to catch the 7:30 am train to Samarkand so we can have enough time to explore the rich history of Samarkand.
Upon arrival, we'll visit the following sites:
- Gur Emir Complex, the resting place of Tamerlane
- Al-Maturidi Complex, the resting place of Imam Al-Maturidi
- The gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda (Tomb of Qutham ibn Abbas R.A.)
Before sunset, we'll visit the authentic and colorful village of Konigil and discuss the Timurid Renaissance and how it led to the revival of the Ummah despite the difficult circumstances the Ummah went through.
Day 3 - Samarkand: The Silk Road
13 SHAWWAL 1443H (15 MAY 2022)
We’ll start our day with Fajr prayer in congregation and morning reflection and athkar, and then breakfast. This will be the daily practice throughout the retreat.
We’ll continue exploring Samarkand and visit the following sites:
- The Ulughbek Observatory: An ancient observatory built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg.
- Registan Square, Tamerlane's outstanding creation with the surrounding building of Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori Madrasah.
- Bibi Khanum Masjid
- Hadith center of Imam Al-Bukhari
Our historian will explain the importance of the Silk Road as the marketplace for ideas and the importance of drawing ideas from different cultures as a way to serve the Ummah.
Day 4 - Bukhara: The Legacy of Imam Al-Bukhari
14 SHAWWAL 1443H (16 MAY 2022)
We’ll pray Fajr together and prepare to take the high-speed train to Bukhara, the land of Imam Al-Bukhari.
We’ll spend the day visiting many sites and wandering at leisure amongst the old city streets. Some sites we’ll visit include:
- Bukhara old town
- Mausoleum of Ismail Samani
- Bolo Khauz Mosque
- Ark Fortress
- Complex Poyi Kalyan including: Kalyan Mosque, Mir Arab madrasah, and Kalyan Tower.
Throughout the day, we'll reflect on the personal life of Imam Al-Bukhari and how he excelled despite facing tough challenges in his life.
Day 5 - Bukhara: Trailblazing Muslim Men & Women
15 SHAWWAL 1443H (17 MAY 2022)
We'll continue our sightseeing of Bukhara, including visiting:
- The complex of Syed Amir Kulol
- Saidatina Bibi Orifa complex (Mother of Sheikh Muhammad Bahouddin Naqshbandi)
- Bahouddin Naqshbandi Complex
- Lyabi Khauz ensemble
- Kukeldash madrasah
- Nadira Devon Begi madrasah
- Trading Domes (Toki Zargaron, Toki Furushon)
- Traditional Bathhouse (Hammam)
- The complex of Abu Hafs Kabir—great theologian of the Islamic world, the greatest scholar of hadiths, and teacher of Imam Bukhari.
During the day, we'll discuss the critical work of trailblazing Muslim men and women whose movements made a difference in the Ummah.
Day 6 - Bukhara: Ibn Sina and al-Biruni
16 SHAWWAL 1443H (18 MAY 2022)
This is the day we’ll say goodbye to Bukhara, but we won’t leave before visiting the following sites:
- The summer palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, which is known as the 'Palace of Moon-like Stars' and represents the work of Russian architecture
- Ismail Samani and Chashma Ayub Mausoleums
During the day, we'll pause to reflect on two of the greatest minds in Islamic history; Ibn Sina and Al-Biruni. We'll learn about their secret to unlocking so much knowledge for the world and why their style of learning is important in today's increasingly polarized world.
After lunch, we’ll proceed to the train station and travel back to Tashkent for one more day of exploration before we wrap up the retreat.
Day 7 - Tashkent: Reflections and Way Forward
17 SHAWWAL 1443H (19 MAY 2022)
The last day in Tashkent will be more relaxing than all previous days. After late breakfast, we'll have a guided excursion throughout Chorsu Complex and do some local shopping :)
We’ll have our wrap-up session in the evening, sharing our thoughts/reflections on what the trip meant for us and the way forward for all participants.
Day 8 - Tashkent: Departure
18 SHAWWAL 1443H (20 MAY 2022)
Saying goodbye is never easy, but we hope to make your departure as smooth as your arrival and you'd leave with a practical action plan to start making a difference in the Ummah as soon as you arrive home insha'Allah!
*The order of sightseeing described in the tour program above may vary depending on weather conditions, changes in the opening hours, and other circumstances.
What Will You Learn in this Retreat?
Throughout the retreat, we will hold "Topic of the Day" Sessions to discover inspiring points from the history of Islam and notable Muslims in Uzbekistan.
Reviving the Ummah: The Timurid Renaissance
In the 1200s, the destruction and occupation of Muslim lands began in the region of Bukhara and Samarkand before spreading further and culminating in the Fall of Baghdad in 1258, an event that’s often used to mark the end of the “Golden Age” of Islamic history. But it was also in the Bukhara-Samarkand region that a cultural revival would occur starting just a few decades later under the Timurids, which would pave the way for the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires. This session will cover how this process unfolded. It is a story of the Muslims’ resilience and revival out of a very chaotic situation.
The Silk Road: The Original Marketplace of Ideas
Nowadays we describe the internet using expressions like “marketplace of ideas” and “information highway”. The historic Silk Road passed through both Bukhara and Samarkand, bringing diverse peoples and ideas to these cities who shaped, and were shaped by, the local culture. This session will cover these cultural exchanges, and emphasize the importance (and Islamic allowance via the concept of urf) of drawing on different traditions (i.e. interdisciplinary work) in such a way as to best serve Allah’s creation.
Imam Bukhari: Spirituality on the Road to Excellence
Imam Bukhari is probably the all-time most famous person of Bukharan origins, but he faced many challenges in his journey to that position, from a physical disability during his childhood to strong opposition to some of his fiqhī/legal opinions in his final years. However, he was able to excel in the sciences of hadīth and his work has endured to become the second-most important book for Sunni Muslims after the Qur’an. This session will discuss his life, challenges, and achievements, with special emphasis on the personal spiritual practices that were part of his workflow.
Imam al-Maturidi and Baha ud-Din Naqshband: Serving the Dīn
Both Imam al-Maturidi (the founder of Maturidi theology) and Baha ud-Din Naqshband (founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi tariqa) have their roots in the Uzbekistan region and have hugely influenced the spread and practice of Islam widely, especially in the eastern Muslim lands. This session will cover a high-level overview of these traditions (i.e. not going into any complicated technicalities or controversial aspects) and emphasize how, in the past, Islamic teachings have been creatively and culturally reframed to address the needs of the day, while still maintaining an essential link to the original sources (i.e. Qur’an and sunnah).
Ibn Sina and al-Biruni: Linking Curiosity to Contribution
Ibn Sina and al-Biruni, two of the greatest minds in recorded history, lived at the same time and both were born close to Bukhara. Both excelled in many different fields and traveled widely, and even “debated” each other through an exchange of letters. Both had a very strong sense of curiosity and that (along with the actual stories of their lives) will be the emphasis of this session: how their healthy sense of curiosity led to their incredible contributions, and why that matters today in a world of increasing polarization, filter bubble-type lifestyles, etc.
Trailblazing Muslim Women Scholars and Leaders
Muslim women have always played important roles within flourishing Muslim societies, and Bukhara-Samarkand has been no exception. This session will cover the stories of scholars such as Fatima al-Samarkandi, Fatima bint Sa’d al-Khayr, and the Otines, as well as influential Timurid royal woman (Aisan Daulat Begum, Qutlugh Nigar Begum, Khanzada).
Who are the Instructors for this Retreat?
Mohammed Faris
Founder and CEO, The Productive Muslim Company
Mohammed Faris is an executive coach, author, and speaker who helps professionals and teams connect spirituality to productivity. He holds an MSc degree from the University of Texas at Dallas (USA) on Leadership and Organizational Development as well as an MSc degree from the University of Bristol (UK) in Finance and Investment.
He is the founder of The Productive Muslim Company and the author of the best-selling book "The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity."
Mohammed has delivered seminars and workshops in over 15 countries and featured on international media and the TEDx stage. He regularly speaks at Fortune 500 companies & major Islamic Organizations, including Google, American Airlines, Salesforce, Texas Instruments, Accenture, PWC, and the Islamic Development Bank Group.
Hassam Munir
Founder, iHistory
Hassam Munir is an Islamic history researcher and educator based in Toronto, Canada. He holds a BA in History and Communication Studies from York University (Canada) and is currently pursuing an MA in History from the University of Toronto.
He is the founder of iHistory, a multimedia project aspiring to make Islamic history accessible for the public. His work in this space ranges from blogging and developing social media campaigns to curating exhibits, leading workshops, giving public lectures, and more.
Hassam serves as the Communications Manager and a research fellow at the Yaqeen Institute of Islamic Research. He was recognized as an Emerging Historian at the 2017 Heritage Toronto Awards. He has also done humanitarian and journalism work.
WATCH THE INFO SESSION BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RETREAT:
FAQs
1. What is the Productive Muslim Retreat?
The Productive Muslim Retreat is an annual retreat that brings together like-minded individuals who want to be a better version of themselves through travel and unique experiences. We’ve held four retreats so far, one in Sri Lanka, and 3 in Indonesia, and we’re excited to explore Uzbekistan in our upcoming 5th retreat. Join us!
2. Why should I join you in Uzbekistan this year?
Uzbekistan has a rich Islamic history that is often forgotten or unknown. By joining our retreat, not only will you discover the incredible islamic heritage found in that land, but you’ll be able to connect that heritage to your life insha’Allah.
3. What makes this retreat different from the previous retreats?
In previous retreats, we normally spend more time training and coaching on how to live a better version of ourselves. For this retreat, we’re taking a different approach and relying on the discovery and exploration of the cities we’ll visit to inculcate some of the lessons we want to take in our life.
4. What is the expected group size?
On average, our retreats are 15 to 25 travelers. However, we expect more participants in this retreat due to its popularity and the updated format.
5. Is the retreat family-friendly?
This trip can be an inspiring experience for the whole family. However, please note that this retreat does involve a lot of walking and long day tours, hence please plan accordingly. If you are interested in taking your child along, please contact the HalalTrip team to discuss pricing and accommodation.
7. How quickly do trips fill up? Is there a deadline for booking?
We've received an overwhelming response to this retreat, so we highly recommend that you complete the application form and pay the $500 booking deposit to secure your spot as soon as possible.
The deadline for retreat booking is 8th April or when we reach capacity.
Reservations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. How do I register for this trip?
Please submit a completed application form and the required deposit to confirm your space on the retreat.
9. Is airfare included in the cost of the program?
No, airfare from your home city to Tashkent Airport is not included in the trip price.
10. What information will I receive to help me prepare for my trip?
We'll hold a training webinar and a logistics webinar to go over all that you need to prepare for the trip. We'll also create a WhatsApp group for the retreat closer to the retreat dates to share time-sensitive information.
11. Can I skip part of the trip?
There is some flexibility to opt-out of certain activities; however, since trips are sold as a full package, portions cannot be paid for à la carte. If you arrive late to a trip or must depart early, we are not able to provide refunds for unused portions of a trip.
12. How active is the retreat? And what are the physical and health requirements?
You should be in good overall health and able to walk up to three miles over the course of a day and stand for periods of time in museums and at historic sites. There will be long days of traveling and sightseeing, moderate hikes on uneven terrain, and some walking up hills or stairs without handrails. Travelers should also be able to embark and disembark the motor coach without assistance.
13. Is the retreat accessible to people with disabilities?
Please contact our office to discuss your needs and the details regarding limitations; we will work to determine if the program is right for you. Many trip itineraries can be challenging for those with physical limitations—rigors can include cobblestone streets, uneven stairs with no railings, etc. Some historic sites have very limited access for those with impaired mobility, providing few benches or rest stops. Anyone requiring significant assistance should bring a traveling companion, who will be responsible for
providing support.
14. What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel your booking:
- Before April 13th, 2022, you will receive a full refund.
- Between April 13th and April 28th 2022, you'll receive a 50% refund.
- After April 28th 2022, no refund is granted.
15. Do you provide trip insurance?
We recommend that travelers purchase trip medical/cancellation insurance to cover the risks of trip medical or cancellation expenses due to COVID.
©1443H/2022. The Productive Muslim Company. All rights reserved.