Advanced Conceptualisations of Education in the Islamic Tradition:
Implications for Islamic Schooling
Alumni Retreat 14 - 15 August 2025
At its best, CITE’s Graduate Certificate in Islamic Education was inspiring, deeply reflexive, and transformed professional practice. But maintaining the flame of inspiration, finding opportunities for continued reflexivity, and getting informed feedback on transformed professional practice is challenging with the day-to-day pressures of schooling. Our annual alumni retreat intends to change that. This two-day retreat preceding CITE’s annual conference is an opportunity for CITE alumni to regroup, reconnect, and rejuvenate intentional practice. The retreat will be anchored by deep intellectual thinking by Professor Mohamad Abdalla on our theme of “Advanced Conceptualisations of Education in the Islamic Tradition.” Professor Abdalla will be joining us at the retreat right after a 6-month sabbatical where he explored conceptualisations of key concepts such as tarbiya, ta’dib, and tazkiya with traditional scholars across the Middle East. Retreat attendees will be the first to get an opportunity to engage in renewed thinking. The retreat will also include opportunities for personal reflection to re-establish intentions, reconnecting with other alumni for collaborative planning, and nourishing the soul through time in nature.
Program (Tentative)
Day 1
| 8:30am – 9:00am | Welcome / Introduction |
| 9:00am – 10:30am | Session 1 (w/Prof) |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Morning Tea |
| 11:00am – 12:30pm | Session 2 (w/Prof) |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch / Prayer |
| 1:30pm – 4:00pm | Nature Walk / Journaling |
| 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Rest |
| 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Dinner |
| 8:00pm – 9:30pm | Campfire / Sharing Stories of Aspiration |
Day 2
| 6:00am – 7:00am | Fajr / Khatira (Sh. Burhaan) |
| 7:00am – 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 10:00am | Session 3 (w/Prof) |
| 11:00am – 1:00pm | Action Planning Session |
| 1:00pm – 3:00pm | Lunch / Jummah |
| 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Rest OR Nature Walk / Journaling |
| 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Dinner + Closing Reflections |
