The Powerhouses of Surah Al-Baqarah
Exploring Āyat al-Kursī and the Final Two Āyāt of Surah Al-Baqarah
An exclusive sisters’ Qur’an retreat for the heart and soul.
📍 14–16 August 2026 | De Vere Latimer Estate, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG
WHERE DO YOU SEEK YOUR STRENGTH AND POWER?
When life drains you and the heart feels heavy, where do you turn to be restored? True strength is not found within the self alone — it is found in returning to Allah. And in His Book, which revives hearts and anchors the soul. From Āyat al-Kursī to the final āyāt of Surah Al-Baqarah, we are reminded of āyāt that ground the believer in certainty and reliance upon Allah. These are not just verses of recitation. They are sources of strength, protection, and return. What does it mean to seek strength from Allah?
WHAT THIS RETREAT IS ABOUT
The Powerhouses of Surah Al-Baqarah is a deeply immersive Qur’an retreat designed to reconnect the heart to Allah through selected āyāt of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a space of reflection, understanding, and spiritual renewal. A space to step away from noise and return to the Qur’an as guidance for the heart and life.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Luxury accommodation in a peaceful estate setting
- Full structured retreat programme
- Meals and refreshments throughout
- Workshops, coaching, and guided learning sessions
- Retreat materials and goody bag
- Sisterhood and spiritual environment
A glimpse into our previous retreat
Step into what it feels like to be immersed in the Qur’an, sisterhood, and reflection
WHY SURAH AL-BAQARAH?
Surah Al-Baqarah is a Surah of guidance, legislation, protection, and īmān.
Within it are āyāt that strengthen the believer, anchor the heart, and bring clarity in times of confusion.
From Āyat al-Kursī (2:255) to the final āyāt (2:285–286), it reshapes how we understand reliance upon Allah and internalise His Majesty.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
During this retreat you will:
- Explore the tafsīr and meanings of selected āyāt from Surah Al-Baqarah
- Reflect on Allah’s names and attributes and how they shape your life
- Strengthen your connection with Allah through structured Qur’an reflection
- Take part in workshops, journaling, and guided learning sessions
- Receive recitation and hifdh coaching sessions
- Build your personal Qur’an journey plan for life after the retreat
- Experience sisterhood, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation in a serene setting
WHAT SISTERS SAID
Attendee
“Perhaps the best experience I’ve ever attended. The focus on Qur’an, night prayer, reflection and sisterhood made it truly transformative.”
Attendee
“This retreat exceeded my expectations. I have clear steps I will be taking over the next couple of months to improve my relationship with the Qur’an in shaa Allah.”
Attendee
“A weekend with the Qur’an is exactly what was needed to recharge and re-centre. I came seeking closeness to Allah and left spiritually nourished.”
Attendee
“Just what my soul was looking for. It has left me feeling rejuvenated with a new found zeal to restart my journey with Qur’an and knowledge.”
Areefa Umm Dawud
“This weekend was a gentle reminder that the Qur’an is not just a book we recite, it's a living guide, a healer, and a companion for the heart. It felt like a renewal.”
Sarah Jane
“This retreat has been life changing for me. I am leaving with motivation, inspiration and an imaan boost that I desperately needed to keep me grounded on my journey with the Qur’an.”
IMPACT
98% of attendees said they would attend again
98% of attendees found the sessions meaningful
RETREAT LEADERS
Ustadha Abeer Sadary
Abeer is a student of the Qurʾān. She has memorised the Qurʾān and studied it the traditional way and also at university level, where she did an undergraduate degree in ʿulūm al-Qurʾān with a major in tafsīr, and then a Master’s in the same field.
Abeer is a student of the Qurʾān. She has memorised the Qurʾān and studied it the traditional way and also at university level, where she did an undergraduate degree in ʿulūm al-Qurʾān with a major in tafsīr, and then a Master’s in the same field. Additionally, Abeer has studied other Islāmic sciences under reputable scholars. The thesis for her recently completed Master’s degree in ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān and tafsīr is entitled:
‘أثر تكرار الألفاظ والآيات في بيان مقاصد سور القرآن الكريم دراسة تحليلية من سورة الرعد إلى سورة الحج أنموذجًا’
(‘A Study of the Repetition of Words and Verses in Determining the Objectives of the Chapters of the Qurʾān: from al-Raʿd to al-Ḥajj’).
She also holds a degree in Industrial Economics.
Ustadha Ola Shoubaki
Ola Shoubaki is the founder of Arabic Gems and was born and spent most of her childhood in the UK. Her yearning to appreciate the Qur’an in the language in which it was revealed led her to pursue a degree in the Arabic language at SOAS University.
Ola Shoubaki is the founder of Arabic Gems and was born and spent most of her childhood in the UK.
Her yearning to appreciate the Qur’an in the language in which it was revealed led her to pursue a degree in the Arabic language at SOAS University. The fundamental change that the Quran caused within her life led her to believe that if this was possible for her then it should be possible for all sisters and thus she began her dedication towards teaching the Qur’anic Arabic language through Arabic Gems.
Arabic Gems’ vision is that ‘one day we will live in a society where every Muslim will understand the Speech of their Lord. That our paths will once again be illuminated with the divine light of the Qur’an’.
Ustadha Sumayah Hassan
Sumayah Hassan is the founder of Recite & Reflect. A project aimed at changing the way we experience the Qur'an through tadabbur or reflection. Her workshop was designed for non-arabic speakers using English resources to help women create a personal ...
Sumayah Hassan is the founder of Recite & Reflect. A project aimed at changing the way we experience the Qur’an through tadabbur or reflection. Her workshop was designed for non-arabic speakers using English resources to help women create a personal connection to the Qur’an.
Sumayah offers one-to-one faith-based mentoring, counselling and support groups for Muslim women. She is also the voice behind the Sincerely, Sumayah podcast and a co-host of Honest Tea Talk.
Ustadha Umm Salihah
Umm Salihah is a dedicated mother and passionate educator of the Qur’an. She has completed her Hifdh and is currently pursuing Ijaazah, specialising in Qira’at, and has studied Uloom al-Qur’an and Tazkiyyah in Egypt and Turkey.
Umm Salihah is a dedicated mother and passionate educator of the Qur’an. She has completed her Hifdh and is currently pursuing Ijaazah, specialising in Qira’at, and has studied Uloom al-Qur’an and Tazkiyyah in Egypt and Turkey.
An award-winning educator and international research presenter, her work centres on Qur’anic formation and transformative learning, particularly in nurturing both teachers and learners to embody the Qur’an in practice. Alongside this, she serves as a part-time university lecturer and education researcher, specialising in teacher development to enhance meaningful educational outcomes.
Passionate about connecting sisters with the Qur’an she is the founder of Qur’an Halaqah a charity focussing on rekindling sisters relationships with the Qur’an. The charity offers gatherings like this, retreats, a Qur’an Development Programme for students and teachers alike, and Qur’an coaching. Umm Salihah leads her work under the banner of Nurturing the Nurturers—a vision dedicated to supporting nurturers in their spiritual growth, resilience, and long-term development.

LOCATION
De Vere Latimer Estate, Buckinghamshire
A serene countryside estate surrounded by nature — the perfect environment for reflection, Qur’an, and sisterhood.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
Spaces are extremely limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
All children aged 1 and under may attend free of charge, subject to availability.
We strongly recommend attending without children where possible to fully benefit from the retreat experience. However, we recognise this is not always possible.
A small crèche facility will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces must be agreed in advance of booking — please email salam@quranhalaqah.com before booking to confirm availability.
Children over 1 will incur an additional charge.
Yes. Payment plans are available. A deposit option is also available to secure your place.
We aim to support sisters from all backgrounds and are exploring sponsorships and financial assistance. Please contact us to discuss options.
De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG
Yes, parking is free on site.





