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Our July 2026 Sisters Umrah Retreat (2–11 July 2026) was led by Ustadah Suzan Derani with our host Dr. Naila Althagafi. For ten days, sisters followed a thoughtfully curated program of worship, knowledge and sisterhood through Makkah, Taif and Madinah, with a guaranteed Rawḍah visit.
This retreat has concluded. To hear about upcoming women's Umrah retreats, see our current dates or join our mailing list.
Meet your Knowledgeable Female Teacher & Saudi Expert Retreat Host
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Yes, absolutely. We have specifically designed The Retreat to be a safe, judgment-free, and deeply enriching environment for sisters who have embraced Islam.
We believe that your first (or fifth!) Umrah should be about connection, not confusion. Here is how we support our convert sisters:
Small Group Intimacy: By keeping our groups small, you aren't just a number in a crowd. You get direct access to our mentors and teachers for all your questions—no matter how small they may feel.
Step-by-Step Guidance: We don’t assume everyone knows the rituals. We provide clear, practical "how-to" sessions before and during the trip so you feel confident in your worship.
A "Come as You Are" Space: Whether you’ve been Muslim for twenty years or twenty minutes, you are welcome here. Our teaching focuses on the spiritual "why" behind the rituals, making the experience deeply personal and rooted in the heart.
Peer Support: You’ll be surrounded by a diverse sisterhood. You’ll find that many of our travelers share similar journeys, providing a unique support system of women who truly "get it."
Our Philosophy: We are here to hold your hand through the process so you can focus entirely on your relationship with Allah.
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Yes, absolutely.
The Official Regulation
As of 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially announced that women from all over the world are permitted to perform Hajj and Umrah without a Mahram. This change was made to facilitate worship for women who may not have a male relative able to travel, ensuring that the doors to the Two Holy Mosques remain open to all.
Scholarly Support & the "Trustworthy Group"
While there is a diversity of opinion among Islamic schools of thought, your travel with The Retreat aligns with the established "Safe Company" (Al-Suhba al-Ma’muna) ruling:
The Maliki and Shafi’i Schools: These traditional schools of jurisprudence permit a woman to travel for pilgrimage without a Mahram provided she is in trustworthy company (a group of reliable women or a secure travel party).
The Concept of Safety: Many contemporary scholars, including those from Al-Azhar and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, have ruled that the original Prophetic prohibition was based on the physical dangers of desert travel in the past. In the modern era of secure airports, group transport, and monitored hotels, they view a "trustworthy group" as a valid fulfillment of the requirement for protection.
Our Commitment: The Retreat is specifically designed to be that "Trustworthy Group." We provide end-to-end coordination, group transportation, and a sisterhood environment so that you are never truly traveling "alone."
Quick Links for Your Research:
Search: "Fatwa on women traveling for Umrah in a safe group"
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No, your package include the Umrah Visa & Medical Insurance for AU, UK, USA, CA, EU & NZ passport holders (For other countries extra fees may apply). Please contact us for more information.
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We understand that travel plans can shift. Our on-ground team is available 24/7 to assist. Should your flight be delayed, simply notify us via our dedicated emergency contact, and we will coordinate your late arrival/transfer to ensure you rejoin the group seamlessly.
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We have specifically designed our itinerary to keep you comfortable. While it is summer, our educational classes and spiritual workshops are held indoors in climate-controlled spaces. Most of our outdoor activities and group programs are scheduled for the evening and night when the temperatures are much cooler and the atmosphere is serene.
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Sisterhood is at the heart of The Retreat. We facilitate connection through:
Private Group Chat: Launched before the trip so you can meet your fellow travelers.
Circle Sessions: Daily heart-to-heart reflections and group discussions.
Roommate Matching: For those traveling solo, we thoughtfully pair sisters to foster lifelong friendships.
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To plan your route, we recommend first checking the itinerary to see which city The Retreat officially begins and ends in.
However, for most international travelers, we highly recommend flying into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. As the primary gateway to the Holy Lands, it offers the most frequent international flights and has proven to be the most streamlined and secure entry point for our 2026 program.
Pro-Tip: The Haramain High-Speed Train If our itinerary begins in one city (such as Madinah) and concludes in another (such as Makkah), we often utilize the Haramain High-Speed Train. This world-class, 300 km/h "bullet train" connects Jeddah Airport directly to both Holy Cities in total comfort. It is fast, fully air-conditioned, and provides a beautiful, modern way to travel through the Hijaz region.
Note for Train Travelers: If you choose to use the high-speed rail, please be mindful of the strict check-in times and luggage weight requirements. Our team is happy to provide you with the latest baggage guidelines to ensure your transit is effortless.
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Yes, and we highly recommend it! Many of our sisters choose to arrive 24 hours before the official program begins. we help them with arranging accommodation and transport for additional fee. This allows you to:
Beat the Jet Lag: Rest and hydrate so you can start the spiritual program with full energy.
Jeddah Shopping: Take advantage of the famous souks and malls in Jeddah to pick up high-quality abayas, prayer mats, or essentials before we head into the more crowded areas of the Holy Cities.
Ease into the Culture: Enjoy a calm dinner by the Red Sea and settle into the local rhythm at your own pace.
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Absolutely. We are happy to help you extend your stay along with other participants if you wish to spend more time in the Holy Cities. Please let us know as early as possible, as hotel availability can be limited during the peak season. We will provide you with a quote for the additional nights and help coordinate your extended stay.