SALAM Brothers Suhba Retreat

‘Ibād ur-Rahman

Forging Noble Character

Nov 20–22, 2026Ahwahnee, CABrothers 18–3020 spots

Register · $200 Sponsor a brother

The theme

The servants of the Most Merciful

Surah al-Furqan · 25:63–77

In Surah al-Furqan (The Criterion), Allah ﷺ describes the ‘Ibād ur-Rahman, the exemplary servants of the Most Merciful, by an elevated set of traits: how they walk the earth, how they answer those who speak to them in ignorance, how they spend their nights, and how they spend their wealth.

The world pulls us toward serving ourselves. The life of a Muslim is rooted in fellowship and service, and that potential opens fully when we understand our ultimate purpose: serving our Creator.

SALAM’s first annual Brothers Suhba Retreat brings brothers ages 18–30 together for a weekend of meaningful fellowship, to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and to develop noble character they carry home to their families and communities.

The weekend

Three days, one purpose

Learning, reflection and time outdoors, all aimed at strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.

Imam Muhammad Elmarouk

Guiding the program

Imam Muhammad Elmarouk

A certified Basira instructor, teacher of Islamic studies and youth mentor, Imam Muhammad leads the weekend’s learning and opens a deeper understanding of these verses. Raised in the Bay Area, he memorized the Qur’an in Mauritania and went on to study in Jordan and Turkey.

Alongside you

Dedicated mentors

Mentors are with the brothers all weekend: leading discussions, praying with the group and keeping the days moving.

Learn the verses

Sessions with Imam Muhammad on the traits of the ‘Ibād ur-Rahman.

Talk it through

Group discussions on practical ways to build these traits in daily life.

Get outside

Physical and outdoor activities, including a hike and nature walk.

Reflect

Quiet moments to reflect and connect with the nature around us.

Pray together

Every prayer in congregation, from Fajr to Isha.

Remember Allah

Morning and evening remembrance, together each day.

The details

Need to know

WhenFriday, Nov 20 – Sunday, Nov 22, 2026
WhereAhwahnee, CaliforniaA retreat house in the Sierra foothills
WhoBrothers ages 18–30
Group20 brothers
Cost$200 per personNeed financial assistance? Email officemanager@salamcenter.org.

Getting there

We travel together

Friday, November 20

3:00 PMMeet at SALAM Center, College Oak Dr

3:30 PMCarpool departs

~7:15 PMArrive at the retreat site

Sunday, November 22

~1:30 PMLeave the retreat site

~4:15 PMBack at SALAM Center

You can leave your car at SALAM for the weekend in the designated parking area.

Packing list

What to bring

Beds and bedding are provided. Pack for three days and two nights in the foothills, where November evenings get cold.

Sleep & clothes

  • Sleeping bagBeds and bedding are provided. Bring one if you’d like your own space in case beds are shared.
  • Outfits and sleepwear for 3 days and 2 nights
  • Warm jacket or coat
  • Beanie and gloves
  • Rain jacket
  • Slippers or sandals for indoors

Personal

  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and soap
  • Personal medicationsList any prescription medication on the registration form.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Phone and charger

Outdoors

  • Comfortable shoes for a hike or nature walk
  • Small backpack for the day
  • Flashlight or headlamp for evening activities
  • Reusable water bottle, and a bidet bottle

Worship

  • Prayer mat
  • Qur’anA Qur’an app on your phone works too.

Code of Conduct

Brotherhood, growth and safety

Our goal is an environment of brotherhood, spiritual growth and safety. By registering for and attending this retreat, you agree to uphold these standards.

  1. Treat all attendees, organizers and property staff with respect, patience and excellent character. Bullying, exclusionary behavior or aggressive disputes will not be tolerated.
  2. Keep the environment positive. Refrain from foul language, backbiting and inappropriate joking.
  3. Daily congregational prayers, structured discussions and group activities are mandatory.
  4. Keep your personal sleeping area clean and help with daily cabin chores as assigned, such as trash removal, cooking and kitchen cleanup.
  5. Any damage to the cabin, furniture or surrounding natural property caused by negligence or horseplay is the financial responsibility of the individual(s) involved.
  6. Tobacco products, alcohol, illegal drugs and intoxicants of any kind are strictly prohibited. Possessing or using them means immediate removal from the retreat.
  7. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited.
  8. Firearms and illegal weapons are not permitted on the premises.
  9. Stay on the retreat grounds at all times unless traveling with the whole group for an activity.

You’ll confirm that you’ve read and agree to this Code of Conduct when you register.

Registration

Save your spot

$200 per person

Need financial assistance? Email the office manager at officemanager@salamcenter.org.

  • Open to brothers ages 18–30
  • 20 spots, filled in the order registrations come in
  • Covers your place on the full weekend, Friday to Sunday
  • You’ll add two emergency contacts and any dietary or medical notes
  • You’ll confirm the Code of Conduct before paying

Brothers Retreat

November 20–22, 2026 · Ahwahnee, CA

Your details

Emergency contact 1

Emergency contact 2

Health & dietary needs

Code of Conduct

Payment

Sponsorship

Send a brother on the retreat

Be part of the weekend from home. Sponsor a brother’s place, or one of the activities that bring the group together.

Sponsor an attendee

$200

Covers one brother’s full weekend, from the carpool out on Friday to the ride home on Sunday.

Sponsor a brother

Sponsor an activity

Any amount

Fund part of the program: the shared meals, the outdoor activities, or the learning sessions.

Sponsor an activity

SALAM Islamic Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 68-0110471.