By Lydia Muhammad
(Photos by April Abdul-BaaQee)
(Editorial Note: Part I of this article appeared in Muslim Journal issue dated Dec. 23-29, 2023.)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a culture that has so many things that work against the sanctity of marriage and family life, it is truly a blessing to see marriages that are new and fresh, and also those that represent longevity.
We were blown away by the diversity and wisdom in the room. Muslims and Christians learn about marriage and life under one roof. I think it is the way the Prophet (PBUH) would have wanted his example, to be followed. Stopping for salah, each prayer helped give a structural grounding and rejuvenated our focus, saying, “Keep Allah first.”
The 2023 Muslim Marriage Retreat brought together couples of faith communities. Issues related to marriage were addressed that cross all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Each and every couple had their own unique story.
Some of the couples shared their testimonies:
COUPLE 1: The 4th Annual Muslim Marriage Retreat was phenomenal! It was the 2nd retreat for my husband and me. Following last year’s retreat, we knew that we had to attend this year. The tips, techniques, and advice that we received last year literally saved our marriage.
This year’s retreat was 3-days-long and served as a much-needed get-a-way. The retreat included sessions that educated us on touch therapy, effective communication, soul painting, and how to ease tension through stretching.
From the first day to the last, we were welcomed and surrounded by love. My husband and I were thoroughly intrigued by the knowledge that Imam Nasir and Haleemah Ahmad shared concerning the institute of marriage.
It was refreshing to be able to be ourselves and learn how to not only be better for each other but to also be great examples to other married couples around us. Needless to say, we will definitely be attending any subsequent retreats, as we KNOW that Imam Mahajj and April Abdul-Baaqee always facilitate them with excellence.
COUPLE 2: The 4th annual Muslim marriage retreat was a great event! This is our 3rd year attending! Over four years ago, it was April’s vision to create a platform for married couples in the Muslim faith to share resources to discuss stronger and longer marriages in a safe space.
April soon recognized that any black married couple would benefit from attending the retreat. She opened the invitation to family and friends of the Christian faith to participate as well, because she understands the importance of a strong black marriage within the black family.
Yes, this is a Muslim marriage retreat for Muslims. We were aware of that before we signed up. The food is amazing! The speakers are awesome. The painting sessions will inspire you. The live music, activities, resources, and fellowship will make you want to return each year.
Several couples return each year! Whether a newlywed or a seasoned couple, all couples can benefit from the retreat. We really enjoyed the entertainment and look forward to next year’s (2024) event.
COUPLE 3: What can I say about the 4th Annual Muslim Marriage Retreat? We traveled from Virginia, and it was so worth it! Absolutely amazing! My husband and I attended for the first time and were blown away. Even though we are Christians, everything is relevant to marriage! Communication, improving our attentiveness to each other, understanding ourselves better and what we need.
There was Touch therapy, couples’ yoga, great workshops, good fun and absolutely amazing food! The live entertainment experience was incredible! A great time to wind down and just be. And just looking at the other couples, enjoying themselves and each other, was an added joy!
What a wonderful time we had. Ma’hajj and April Abdul-Baaqee are on to something amazing! Highly recommended. (Stephanie and William Tyree)
COUPLE 4: With so much to be thankful for, Nina Nuriddin-Hodges of New Orleans, La., reflects upon a weekend well-spent, with every mile she and her husband, Khadeem Qani Hodges, traveled.
The Muslim Marriage Retreat warrants future participation – not just in attendance but with an emotional presence, vacationing from daily tasks as well as limiting communication with those at home.
The Retreat started far before checking into the Marriott Hotel in Collierville, Tenn.
Upon registering, the couple received daily texts from the founder and co-host, Mahajj and April – filled with marital aspiration and inspiration. The premise of success was already in action.
Allah (God – Highly Glorified is He) has already placed love between this beautiful couple and sharing their love through example with not only Muslims, but non-Muslims as well was pleasantly surprising. After all, doesn’t every couple want success? None of us wants to miss the mark of what is known to many as “the other half of our Deen (religion).”
The Hodges, who attended this Retreat for the first time, agree that this environment is paramount to a successful, loving, fulfilling, and exciting marriage. In fact, the motto, “Reboot, Reconnect, Refocus,” was carried out in every aspect of the Retreat from The Jumah Khutbah (Friday Prayer lecture), which highlighted a goodly marriage of “The Life of The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon Him) and his wife…
From there workshops such as “Touch Therapy,” which allowed couples to affectionately embrace through private conversations while in various yoga positions of stretches, hugs, and kisses – all void of intimacy.
Other workshops and comedic performances depicted the reality of the challenges of marriages, which reminded The Hodges: “To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah hath power over all things.” (The Holy Qur’an 2:148)
COUPLE 5: Khadeem and Nina also agree, that the Muslim Marriage Retreat was an excellent
source for longevity in their marriage. “To top it off, the food was DELICIOUS! – appealing to the eye, entertaining to the palate.”
As if we were guests in their home, the Abdul-BaaQee’s made us feel quite welcomed in this cozy, fun, and intriguing atmosphere. We appreciate their diligence and commitment to serve our community. May Allah (highly glorified is He) reward them accordingly. Inshallah (God willing), we’ll see you next year (2024).
THE TESTIMONIALS: The lifeblood of any community is the family. These testimonies bear witness to the value of family, community, and marriage.
(For the 2024 retreat, see advertisement on page 21.)
