The Trials & Tribulations challenge begins with The Gathering, an evening of connection, reflection, and preparation. Sisters come together for a night of prayer, discussion, and sharing, building a foundation for the journey ahead. This part starts on Friday evening and requires some thoughtful planning for a memorable experience.
Arranging the venue
To set the right atmosphere for The Gathering, the organiser will need to secure a suitable venue. Here are some venue ideas and requirements:
- Location options: A sister’s home, a community centre, or a madrasah building.
- Space requirements: The venue should comfortably fit at least 10 sisters for an overnight stay.
- Permissions and policies: Check any insurance rules and permissions if using a public space or centre, especially for overnight stays.
Arrival and preparation
The sisters should aim to arrive at 9pm, after completing any 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 to bring
Each sister should bring a rucksack packed with essentials for the challenge, including:
- A full change of clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- A towel and a prayer mat
- A bottle of water for making wudu
All of the contents should be double-bagged in a sealed bin bag, to waterproof them. Make sure there are no holes in the bin bag, and knot it closed.
Food contributions
To keep the event organised, each sister is asked to bring a dish or drink, either for the evening meal or sahoor. To avoid duplication, keep a simple spreadsheet listing what each sister will contribute.
Evening of reflection and prayer
The night begins with an inspiring talk on the significance of trials and tribulations in Islamic tradition. Sisters are invited to reflect on how hardships bring growth and strengthen faith. Later, the conversation will shift to discussing the harrowing experiences of refugees fleeing crisis, putting the upcoming challenge into context.
Prayer and dinner
- After Isha, sisters will stand together in sunnah prayers, helping to build unity and spiritual focus.
- Dinner will be served in shared plates on the floor. Following the tradition of eating together, sisters will share from the same plate, eating with their hands. Leftovers can be saved for sahoor.
After dinner and tidying up, sisters can enjoy some quiet conversation, deepening bonds and sharing reflections.
Tahajjud and rest
Around 11pm, the sisters will stand for tahajjud prayer. This quiet time is an opportunity to make dua for the challenges ahead and for refugees facing real hardship around the world.
Uncomfortable night’s rest
After tahajjud, it’s time for a humble night’s sleep. Each sister will lie on the hard floor, with only their rucksack as a pillow. They will remain fully dressed, without blankets or cushions, to simulate the discomfort many refugees face. Expect the night to be challenging and potentially cold—a part of the experience to foster empathy and resilience.
Sahoor and pre-dawn prayers
About half an hour before dawn, the sisters will gather for sahoor (pre-dawn meal). Eating well is essential to sustain energy for the day’s trials, so it’s a good idea to have slow-burning foods like porridge or pulses and drink plenty of water.
- Intention to fast: Sisters should make the intention to fast throughout the coming day.
- Tidying up: Once finished, they should clear away any leftovers and leave the space clean.
Fajr prayer and early morning reflections
At dawn, sisters will perform Fajr prayer together, followed by dua and Quran recitation. This quiet time is perfect for grounding themselves spiritually, mentally preparing for the day’s adventure, and drawing closer to Allah.
Setting out
As soon as it is light, sisters will need to gather their things, bid farewell to the venue, and set out on the next stage of the journey. At this point, they may already be feeling tired from the interrupted night—a crucial aspect of the challenge that mirrors the experience of refugees.
For transport to the next stage: Please refer to Transport options for guidance on reaching the next destination in the journey.
This gathering experience serves as an essential part of the Trials & Tribulations challenge, allowing sisters to bond, reflect, and build resilience together. It’s a chance to walk in the shoes of those who face unthinkable hardships daily, and to prepare for the physical and spiritual journey ahead.