Seabound trials

This version of the Trials & Tribulations challenge follows the same structure as the original event but replaces the obstacle course in Part 3: Serious Trials with a waist-deep wade along a stretch of coastline.

This adaptation adds a powerful element of connection to the struggles of refugees, symbolising the treacherous sea crossings they often face. Below is a detailed plan outlining all requirements to ensure the event’s success.

Event objectives

1. Awareness: Educate participants on the trials faced by refugees.
2. Empathy: Provide a symbolic experience of endurance and uncertainty.
3. Spiritual growth: Strengthen participants’ faith through reflection, prayer, and teamwork.

Part 1: The gathering

Venue setup

• Options: A community centre, madrasah building, or a sister’s home.
• Requirements:
  • Space for at least 10 sisters to pray, eat, and sleep.
  • Facilities for ablution and food preparation.
  • Permissions for an overnight stay (if in a public venue).

Participant preparation

• Arrival time: 9pm, Friday evening.
• Attire: Modest abayas and hijabs, suitable for a halaqa or prayer gathering.
• Essentials to bring:
  • Rucksack with a change of clothes, a towel, a prayer mat, and comfortable shoes.
  • Double-bagged, waterproof packaging for all items.
• Food contributions: Organise via a shared spreadsheet to avoid duplication. Options could include simple, nutritious dishes for dinner and sahoor.

Resource: Participant guide

Schedule

1. 9:00pm: Arrival and setup.
2. 9:30pm: Reflection session:
   • Inspirational talk on Islamic teachings about trials.
   • Discussion on the hardships faced by refugees.
3. 10:30pm: Isha prayer & dinner:
   • Sunnah prayers to build unity.
   • Dinner served in shared plates on the floor.
4. 11:00pm: Tahajjud & quiet reflection:
   • Group dua for the journey ahead and for refugees worldwide.
5. 12:00am: Rest on hard floors with rucksacks as pillows, simulating discomfort.
6. 4:30am (approx): Sahoor & Fajr:
   • Pre-dawn meal of slow-burning foods (e.g., porridge, lentils).
   • Group Fajr prayer, Quran recitation, and a brief reflective session.
7. 6:00am: Cleanup and departure preparation.

Part 2: Take flight

Transport

• Options:
  • Car share: Ensure sufficient drivers and parking availability.
  • Minibus hire: Pre-arrange a vehicle large enough for participants and their gear.
  • Train travel: Plan routes, timings, and ensure participants know the schedule.
• Drop-off point:
  • Choose a location an hour’s walk from the assault course.
  • Ensure accessibility and safety for disembarking.

Resource: Getting there and back

The journey

• Route: Woodland or countryside trails to simulate forced migration.
• Pace: Steady, allowing reflection but ensuring timely arrival.
• Leader responsibilities:
  • Use a pre-mapped route or navigational app.
  • Facilitate reflective discussions on themes like resilience and Allah’s creation.

Reflective activities

1. Silent walking period: Encourage quiet reflection on the journey.
2. Discussion points:
   • The challenges refugees face navigating unfamiliar terrain.
   • Gratitude for blessings often taken for granted.

Safety measures

• Carry a basic first-aid kit.
• Assign a buddy system for support and accountability.

Part 3: Sea trials

Participants will wade waist-deep through the sea along a designated stretch of coastline. This activity mirrors the struggles refugees face during perilous sea crossings, challenging participants to push their physical and mental limits while staying united as a group.

Location

• Beach selection: A safe coastal area with manageable waves and waist-deep water along the wading path. Examples include Whiteford Sands or similar beaches.
• Tidal considerations: Ensure the event is scheduled at low or mid-tide for safer conditions.
• Permissions: Secure necessary permissions from local authorities.

Safety measures

• Lifeguard presence: Arrange for lifeguards or experienced swimmers stationed at intervals along the route.
• First aid: Have first-aid responders on-site with supplies for minor injuries or hypothermia.
• Emergency plan: Establish clear communication methods and evacuation points in case of emergencies.

The challenge

Preparation

• Participants remain dressed in base layers under abayas or modest activewear suitable for wading.
• Each participant carries a lightweight rucksack containing essential dry items, sealed in waterproof bags.

Activity

1. Route: The group wades a pre-defined distance (e.g., 1-2 miles) along the shoreline and back. Mark the route with flags or buoys.
2. Teamwork: Participants stay in groups, supporting each other against wave resistance and the cold.
3. Symbolism: The physical discomfort of the icy water and waves serves as a stark reminder of the struggles refugees face crossing dangerous seas.

Discussion themes

During pauses or at the end of the challenge, the group leader facilitates reflection:

• The fear and uncertainty refugees feel during perilous crossings.
• Lessons in resilience from Islamic tradition, focusing on trust in Allah during trials.
• Gratitude for safety and comfort many take for granted.

Participant guidelines

• Carry rucksacks throughout the course to simulate the burden of essentials.
• Wear the same clothes from earlier stages to reinforce endurance.

Post-course routine

1. Shower & change:
   • Use the change of clothes stored in waterproof bags.
   • Wet clothing should be bagged for transport.
2. Dhuhr prayer:
   • Make wudu with packed water bottles and pray as a group.
3. Reflections:
   • Discuss attachment to material possessions and lessons learned about perseverance.

Final steps: Returning and wrapping up

Return journey

• Retrace the walk back to the drop-off point.
• Use arranged transport to return to the starting location.

Closing session

1. Iftar preparation:
   • Break fast together with simple food, sharing the joy of accomplishment.
2. Final reflections:
   • Encourage each sister to share one key takeaway.
   • Highlight the significance of gratitude and collective resilience.

Resource: A modest iftar

Key resources and requirements

1. Logistics:
   • Venue booking, transport coordination, and route planning.
2. Participant safety:
   • A first-aid kit and clear communication of emergency protocols.
3. Volunteer roles:
   • Group leader (route navigation and discussions).
   • Event organiser (venue and transport).
   • Safety lead (first aid and contingency planning).
4. Spiritual support:
   • Prepare a list of dua and Quranic verses relevant to trials and endurance.

By immersing participants in this thoughtfully planned challenge, Trials & Tribulations will leave a lasting impact, fostering both spiritual growth and a deeper empathy for those enduring unimaginable hardships.