The Neighborhood Halaqa | Winter Edition 2022

Inspired by the way of the Prophetic community, the intention of the Neighborhood Halaqa is to come together for the purpose of remembering Allah and reflecting on Prophetic character. Every member of a family and community is invited to travel together in spiritual development and to improve our relationship with Allah, His messenger, and our faith.

The Neighborhood Halaqa is our humble effort to provide a sanctuary for children, young adults, parents, and professionals to come together to travel on this path together.

For this special in- person Winter Neighborhood Halaqa, we wanted to have a sense of a rihla or travel in search of knowledge (in this case, also travel to seek good company or suhba :). This, so that we can get away from the day-to-day grind we have all experienced. We are big on nature and Allah's natural world at Sanad Trust, so the other main objective was to be in a setting which embraces us with His beautiful natural world. Finally, we wanted all this to be safe. Sixteen distinct natural communities create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida. So we have plenty of space and the largest pavilion in the park reserved.

More details about the program can be found below.

Neighborhood Halaqa

Something for Everyone

For children (and anyone who wants to listen in:), we are currently telling the story Dip & Dive, two young sea turtles on a journey of a lifetime navigating their new world and life. Along the way they learn about faith-based principles, Prophetic character, and purpose through their travels and interactions with the wondrous creations of Allah. This epic narrative poem is written by Rehan Mirza and it is premiered chapter by chapter in the Neighborhood Halaqa.

For young adults (12 to 18 yrs), we have a short talk led by a national/local youth leader or invited guest speaker gifted in speaking with this age demographic. Themes of spiritual development and Prophetic character will be shared in relevant perspectives and engaging ways.

For adults, we cover a text or lessons related in sulook (spiritual wayfaring) or Prophetic character. Halaqas may be led by renowned guest scholars or be led by Rehan Mirza sharing notes from text chapters, essays, or other lessons.

The Neighborhood Halaqa is intended to facilitate the spiritual journey of all those who attend by creating an environment of adab, shared experience, and communal support. The Halaqa concludes in remembrance with the recitation of the Ratib al Shahir of Imam al Haddad and dua.

Food, Activities and Staying Safe

The Neighborhood Halaqa is moving back to an in- person event. So, aligned with our goals for safety we are asking that everyone respects the following requests:

• Families should bring their own lunch and snacks.
• All families are expected to wear masks and social distance. Families may unmask at their assigned tables to drink/eat.
• Persons who are experiencing any symptoms or who have been in contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms or who is Covid-19 positive should not attend the event.
• Group Activities:
• • Biking: Families can choose to join us biking on the two-mile paved trail. Please bring your own bikes from home or the park offers bike rentals for $12/cruiser bike and $35/multi speed bike for 2 hours.
  • Hiking: Else your family can choose to trek with us on one of the beautiful trails that can be found within the park’s 16 natural communities.
• Park Admission
  • To guarantee admission to the park, please purchase the ticket on the day of the field trip, as the ticket is only valid on the day of purchase.
  • Plan to arrive 30 mins early giving your family time to go through the entrance which can be busy at times and to find the pavilion location, which is at the very end of the main park road.