Isparta, Turkey – July 2025 – The Maqasid Institute is hosting an extraordinary summer retreat, “Reading the Book of Nature,” from July 15-22, 2025, in the picturesque landscapes of Çamdağı and Barla, Isparta province, Turkey. This extraordinary retreat invites English-speaking Muslims, academics, and professionals to a spiritual and intellectual journey, exploring the Qur’anic concept of nature as Divine signs (ayāt) and deepening their connection with faith and nature.
A Spiritual and Ecological Journey
Situated in the heart of breathtaking forests and peaceful landscapes, the retreat is designed to inspire participants to observe, ponder, and engage with nature from an Islamic point of view. Through experiential lectures, forest walks, and reflective discussions, participants will learn about the harmony between Islamic spirituality and ecological stewardship.
“This retreat is an opportunity to reaffirm the intimate connection between religion and nature,” responds Dr. Ildus Rafikov of Maqasid Institute. “By the discipline of learning to read the ‘signs’ of Allah in the natural world, participants will gain a new sense of appreciation for the world and their role as caretakers of the earth.”
Distinguished Scholars and Experts
The retreat will also feature a wonderful array of thinkers and practitioners of Islamic ecology, history, and environmental studies:
Shaikh Muhammad Foulds (Hearts SEE, UK) – Trained safari guide and falconer, integrating Islamic spirituality and ecological awareness.
Dr. Yamina Bouguenaya (Receiving Nur, USA) – Researcher of the interface of religion, spirituality, and nature.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tuna (Duke University, USA) – A scholar of Said Nursi studies and Islamic intellectual history.
Prof. Dr. Elmira Akhmetova (IKI Academy, Georgia) – An Islamic history and civilization expert, with special emphasis on Said Nursi teachings.
Mr. Said Yüce (Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, Türkiye) – A preeminent specialist in Risale-i Nur studies, balancing religion and reason.
Dr. Ildus Rafikov (Maqasid Institute, USA) – A scholar who brings together Islamic philosophy, history, and science.
Immersive Learning in a Sacred Landscape
The retreat will take place at Barla, a location conventionally significant for Islamic scholarship and reflection, particularly in the literature of Said Nursi. The environment is perfect for reflection and learning where participants can disengage from modern distractions and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.
Participants will stay in villas with full facilities surrounded by nature and enjoy locally served halal food. Activities include nature walks facilitated by professionals, outdoor reflection, and cultural exposure that enhances the appreciation of God’s signs in nature.
Program Highlights & Expected Outcomes
The retreat for a week will cover a set of themes such as:
Qur’anic Insights on Nature – Enjoying nature as a living fabric of Allah’s signs.
Islamic Environmentalism – Exploring Shari’ah principles and ecology.
Said Nursi’s Teachings – Insights into the scholar’s vision on environmental harmony.
Practical Tafsir in Nature – Integrating Quranic reflection with ecological awareness.
By the end of the retreat, participants will have gained:
A deeper understanding of nature as a manifestation of divine wisdom.
Practical skills in environmental navigation and stewardship.
Strengthened spiritual well-being through immersive outdoor experiences.
A group of like-minded believers committed to faith and environmental consciousness.
Registration and Early Bird Offers
Available to all English-speaking Muslims aged 18 and above who are interested in spirituality and environmental consciousness. Registration charges are as follows:
Early Bird Registration: $1,750 per delegate (register by May 31, 2025)
Last-Minute Registration: $2,000 per delegate (register by June 30, 2025)
The fee includes seven nights’ lodging, all meals, intra-Türkiye travel (Istanbul-Barla-Istanbul), nature walks with a guide, workshops, and cultural events.
Participants who are interested can register online by filling out the application form and holding a place with a $400 deposit.
To view more details and register, click on: https://maqasid.org/education/rbn-retreat/
A Call to Reconnect with Nature and Faith
The “Reading the Book of Nature” retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and become immersed in an experience that can change one’s life for the better while nourishing both the soul and the mind. Amidst universal environmental and spiritual crises, the retreat serves as a reminder of the prominent role Islamic doctrine plays in learning to value and preserve the natural world.
Join this journey of faith, reflection, and renewal in one of Türkiye’s most spiritually inspiring environments.
For details, email: events@maqasid.org | Tel: +90 501 334 09 73
