Building unity and spiritual foundation
Evening dress and preparation
Following the main blueprint’s approach to ceremonial preparation:
Gender-specific preparation
- Mothers and daughters: Special time getting dressed up in best abayas and hijabs together
- Fathers and sons: Separate preparation time discussing the challenge ahead
- Family reunification: Coming together dressed and ready for the evening programme
Despite being at home and in mahram company, the idea behind dressing modestly is being prepared like so many refugees, who know they may have to leave at any time. Many Muslim women, for example, sleep fully clothed in case of an emergency evacuation during the night.
Evening programme
- Maghrib prayer: Establishing spiritual foundation together
- Special shared meal: Eating together on the floor, perhaps takeaway as celebration
- Technology-free time: No screens, focusing purely on family conversation
- Reflection discussion: Talking about refugee experiences and family intentions
Night prayers and sleep
- Isha and tahajjud prayer: Father leads family in extended prayers and duas
- Focus on refugees: Specific prayers for displaced people worldwide
- Intention setting: Family commits to meaningful experience together
- Uncomfortable sleep: Whole family sleeps together on floor, fully clothed, no pillows or blankets
Early morning routine
- Family wakes together: Natural waking from uncomfortable sleep
- Normal breakfast: Regular family meal (no fasting requirement)
- Fajr prayer: Collective dawn prayer
- Final preparations: Gathering equipment and confirming plans
- Travel to venue: Journey time for continued family discussion