Friday evening preparation
The challenge begins with an evening of connection and spiritual preparation. Participants come together for prayer, meaningful discussion, and reflection, building the foundation for the journey ahead.
Venue arrangements
To set the right atmosphere for The Gathering, organisers need to secure a suitable venue:
- Location options: A participant’s home, community centre, or madrasah building
- Space requirements: The venue should comfortably accommodate your group for an overnight stay
- Permissions and policies: Check insurance rules and permissions if using public spaces, especially for overnight stays
Arrival and preparation
Participants should arrive at 9pm, after completing evening chores. They’re encouraged to wear their favourite abaya and hijab, dressed as they would for a halaqa or spiritual gathering, as a mark of respect for the occasion.
What participants bring
Each participant should bring a rucksack packed with essentials:
- A full change of clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- A towel and prayer mat
- A bottle of water for making wudu
All contents should be double-bagged in a sealed bin bag to waterproof them. Ensure there are no holes in the bin bag and knot it closed.
Food contributions
To keep the event organised, each participant brings a dish or drink for either the evening meal or sahoor. Keep a simple spreadsheet to avoid duplication.
Evening programme
Reflection and discussion
The night begins with an inspiring talk on the significance of trials and tribulations in Islamic tradition. Participants reflect on how hardships bring growth and strengthen faith. The conversation then shifts to discussing the experiences of refugees fleeing crisis, putting the upcoming challenge into context.
Prayer and dinner
- After Isha, participants stand together in sunnah prayers, building unity and spiritual focus
- Dinner is served in shared plates on the floor, following the tradition of eating together from the same plate with hands
- Leftovers are saved for sahoor
Tahajjud and rest
Around 11pm, participants stand for tahajjud prayer—an opportunity to make dua for the challenges ahead and for refugees facing real hardship worldwide.
Uncomfortable night’s rest
After tahajjud, participants sleep on the hard floor with only their rucksack as a pillow. They remain fully dressed without blankets or cushions, simulating the discomfort many refugees face. This challenging night fosters empathy and resilience.
Early morning routine
Sahoor
About thirty minutes before dawn, participants gather for sahoor. Eating well is essential for sustaining energy throughout the day’s trials—slow-burning foods like porridge or pulses are ideal, along with plenty of water.
- Participants make the intention to fast throughout the coming day
- Clear away leftovers and leave the space clean
Fajr prayer and reflections
At dawn, participants perform Fajr prayer together, followed by dua and Quran recitation. This quiet time grounds them spiritually and mentally prepares them for the day’s adventure.
Setting out
As soon as it’s light, participants gather their belongings, bid farewell to the venue, and set out for the next stage. At this point, they may already feel tired from the interrupted night—a crucial aspect that mirrors the refugee experience.
For detailed guidance on organising Part 1, see the Event Planning and Venues sections of the organiser guide.