IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

Faith & Fun
This is the motto of NAFIS retreats. We mean by “Faith and Fun” to have the kind of fun that strengthens your faith in your Lord and so prepares you well for the greatest day of joy: return to Him Most High!

20th Anniversary
This is the theme of this year’s retreat. Through the myriad of retreat activities, we offer a special focus on developing your family’s bond, your family’s love for God’s sake, and your family’s leadership skills!

General Program
This is the general schedule of the major events happening during this retreat. For more details about each program, please refer to the specific program pages (Spiritual Program, Youth Program, and Kids Program, Sisters & Brothers Program).

Spiritual Program
The Spiritual Program is the core of this retreat! It offers you the opportunity to join your brothers and sisters in congregational prayers, Dhikr sessions, and short talks that will uplift and rejuvenate your faith with a single goal: to draw you closer to your Lord, the Most High!

Youth Program
The heart of this retreat is the Youth Program! The goal of this program is to build strong American Muslim leaders. This daily program caters to the needs and challenges of Muslim youth in the U.S. It includes discussions on relevant and controversial educational and spiritual topics, and entertainment activities that cultivate knowledge, enlighten the mind, and revive the soul!

Kids Club * Kindergarten – 5th Grade ONLY
This is a daily safe space for kids, where our Muslim children can feel that they truly belong! Unlike other kids’ clubs, this club is designed and developed with the American Muslim child in mind. Whether it's collecting shells from the beach, watching an inspiring movie, making Islamic art and crafts, or discussing a relevant topic such as why Faith and Fun go together, every activity aims first at instilling Islamic values, strengthening one's identity, and providing guidance from the Qur'an and the Prophetic Method. Additionally, it fosters self-confidence, independence, leadership, collaboration, and sportsmanship.

Dhuhr and Asr Prayers/Maghrib & Isha Prayers
These two prayers are combined and shortened according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Night Prayer
Qiyamullayl, Tahajjud, or Standing in Prayer at Night—all refer to the same thing. Following the prophetic method, which is the way the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to perform it, we stand in congregation during the last third of the night to get closer to our Lord, the Most High.

Fajr Prayer
The first daily congregational prayer, is held in EXPO ABC, 1st floor.

Short Talk
A brief 10-minute reflection on important topics that are relevant to the American Muslim community will be offered right after congregational prayers. These short talks serve as gentle reminders, including motivational verses, impactful stories, and prophetic traditions that will inspire you to be the best version of yourself!

Sunrise Dhikr Session
This is a daily session of remembrance of God the Almighty between Fajr Prayer and Sunrise. Join us to learn and practice the most authentic forms of Dhikr.

Jumu’ah & Asr Prayer
The Friday sermon and “Jumu’ah” prayer followed by Asr prayer offered in EXPO ABC, 1st floor.

Qur’an Challenge – 7 years old & Up
This is a Qur’an Challenge session held through ZOOM on December 13th. It is led by a few teachers and memorizers of the Qur’an. Youth will be tested on their previous memorization. There are no Qur’an memorization sessions during this retreat. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners!

Prayer Challenge – 6th Graders & Up ONLY
Look for the “Prayer Challenge Desk” to participate in this prayer challenge. Every time you come to pray in congregation at the EXPO ABC room, check in before prayer starts and check out on your way out. By doing this, you have the chance to collect a maximum of 20 points to be considered one of the top winners! The challenge starts on December 25 at the Standing in Prayer at Night and ends on December 28 at Isha prayer.

The formula is as follows:
(2 Points Night Standing) + (1 Point Fajr) + (1 Point Dhuhr & Asr) + (1 Point Maghrib & Isha) = 5 Points Daily = 20 Points

Opening Ceremony
This is an event you don’t want to miss! Besides learning about all the NAFIS programs and activities offered during this four-day retreat, you’ll get to know the directors of each program, have your questions answered, and learn how you can get the most out of your stay. Don’t forget the fun games and entertaining nasheeds played throughout the ceremony.

Adult and Youth Sports
Whether you are a sister, brother, youth, or kid, we will make sure you stay fit and active during this retreat! Fun sports activities such as soccer and volleyball will keep your positive attitude and energy consistently high.

Youth Night
Youth Night is a special night designed by older youth (9th graders and up) to have fun and discuss how to become a strong Muslim leader. From performances to games and competitions to short talks and discussions, youth get to experience this YOUTH ONLY fun night with their best American Muslim friends!

Kids Night
A fun and inspiring night just for kids! Packed with exciting games that spark curiosity and meaningful discussions, Kids Night helps young minds explore important topics about what it means to grow into confident, compassionate Muslim American leaders.

Brothers & Sisters Seperate Night
Led by adults and some youth. Brothers and sisters will engage in interactive educational discussions about pertinent topics such as how to effectively build strong Muslim families in the U.S. All this takes place in an informal, friendly setting where fun games are also part of the experience!

Closing Night
Did you know that some guests come exclusively to attend this particular ceremony? It is definitely a ceremony you should not miss out on! Why? Kids and youth perform on stage and engage the audience in multiple entertaining games, nasheeds, and riddles. So, if you want to have fun while remembering your Lord, this is your GOLDEN CHANCE!