Introduction
Light Upon Light was honored to host the Reclaim Your Heart Retreat 2014, bringing together seekers from around the world for a transformative journey guided by Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed and Shaykh Navaid Aziz. Held from April 17-22, 2014, this five-day retreat journeyed from Kinloch Lodge on New Zealand’s South Island to Christchurch, offering participants an unforgettable blend of spiritual enrichment and natural beauty that many described as life-changing.
Retreat Concept
The retreat began at Kinloch Lodge, a tranquil haven at the head of Lake Wakatipu, where stunning mountain vistas and pristine waters provided the perfect backdrop for intimate teaching sessions, tahajjud prayers, and deep spiritual reflection. Days at Kinloch balanced profound learning with outdoor activities, allowing participants to nurture their spiritual growth while experiencing New Zealand’s natural splendor.
The retreat then transitioned to Christchurch via a spectacular six-hour journey through breathtaking scenery. It culminated with Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed’s inspiring evening talk “The Power of Hope” at the University of Canterbury, bringing together the retreat community and local attendees before participants departed on April 22nd with renewed purpose and spiritual clarity.
Event Speaker
Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed
Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed brought her expertise as an internationally recognized specialist in spirituality, relationships, psychology, and personal development. As the author of “Reclaim Your Heart” and a writer for the Huffington Post, she shared profound insights drawn from her academic background in Psychology and Journalism and Mass Communication. Her distinction as the first female instructor for Al-Maghrib Institute reflected her pioneering role in Islamic education and her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her compassionate and accessible teaching style.
Shaykh Navaid Aziz
Shaykh Navaid Aziz brought distinguished scholarship and international experience spanning five continents and over 20 countries. Having completed his studies at the Islamic University of Madinah with degrees in Arabic Language and Islamic Law, he served as an instructor and Director of Public Relations for Al-Maghrib Institute. His work as a family and youth counselor, combined with his training in Public Relations and Communications Management, enabled him to address contemporary challenges with both spiritual depth and practical wisdom that resonated deeply with retreat participants.
