Light Upon Light
SSC's 2025 International Gathering Information Page
This five-day Sufi retreat offers a time of homecoming—a homecoming to God, to one another, and to our own deepest selves. In difficult times in the outer world or in our own hearts, we will support each other to come back home together and find our true direction.
Our time together will include teachings, group prayer, remembrance practices, healing and time to re-connect in community. Come to drink together from the light of Allah and fill up your cup.
Event Info
Dates: Wed, Dec 3 – Mon, Dec 8, 2025
Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriot North, 6650 North Andrews Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Best airport: Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
Recommended travel days: Arrive on Wed, Dec 3rd and depart on Mon, Dec 8th
Donate to the financial assistance fund
COST
Adults ages 26 and up: $695 per adult
Newcomers (any age): $300
Young Adults Ages 16-25: $395
Children’s Program Ages 6-15: $175 per child
Children Ages 6-15 not in children’s program/food only: $75
Children 5 and under: free (includes meals)
Payment plans are available. Lodging is not included in the above rates.
Retreat includes: 14 nourishing halal meals, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Register for Lodging
Register separately for lodging at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriot North.
Apply for Financial Assistance
Event Highlights
Each morning before breakfast `Abd Haqq Godlas will lead those who are interested on Qualities walks.
Amina al-Jamal will lead al-wird every morning after breakfast.
Morning teachings will be in a large group format with many of your favorite teachers (see the for the full list of teachers).
Afternoons will offer small group sessions designed to be highly interactive.
You will have the opportunity to do zawiyah with Amina al-Jamal throughout the event.
During the event there will be 3 group dhikr circles.
There will be a Khalwa for Peace. Our intention is to stay up as late as we can praying peace inside and out (in the world, our communities, etc.).
There will be an opportunity to learn the Protection Healing from Nura Laird and Rahima Schmall.
Salih Kent will perform inspiring, heart-opening magic tricks.
Many beloved teachers from the community will join us
Dr. ‘Abd al-Haqq Godlas
Amina al Jamal
Amany Shalaby
Murshida Dr. Fawzia al-Rawi
Murshid Dr. Ibrahim Jaffe
Dr. Kamila Shenmen
Mahdi al Jamal
Nura Laird
Dr. Rahima Schmall
Murshida Salima Adelstein
Murshid Dr. Wadude Laird
Dr. Zuleikha Sainfort
Important Information
-
- The event opens at with a short teaching and dhikr at 6:00pm on the evening of Wed, Dec 3rd. Dinner on Wednesday is not included in the event ticket; please be prepared to make other dinner arrangements.
-
- The event ends at lunchtime on Monday, Dec 8th.
-
- The khalwa will begin after sunset on Sun, Dec 7th and it will run until 2:00 am.
- A children’s and teen program will be offered for children ages 6-15 years old, providing a space a space for children and young people to discover the beauty of their hearts, connect deeply with one another, and grow in awareness of Allah’s Presence and His qualities through play, movement, music, art, story, and silent presence. $175 per child enrolled in the program. (Children not enrolled in the children’s program are welcome to attend the general gathering for $75 per child).
- There will be a designated play room for children ages 0-5 and their accompanying adult. Simple toys will be provided. No childcare will be available for children ages 0-5; children ages 0-5 attend for free including meals.
- Our negotiated rate at the Fort Lauderdale Marriot North is $139 per room per night, not including taxes. If you have 1 or 2 roommates the cost will be split between you accordingly.
-
- Our intention is to host a scent-free event, so that our chemically sensitive brothers and sisters can attend with ease. Please leave your scented hair care, skin care, and other products at home. We’ll send more out about this as we approach the event.
- The Fort Lauderdale airport is about 15 miles from the Marriot. We suggest you take an Uber/Lyft from the airport to the hotel or rent a car;
Newcomers Program: A Taste of Divine Love
We will be hosting a program for newcomers to the path of Sufism. We are so grateful to be able to share the blessings of our path with others!
This workshop welcomes everyone, regardless of background, belief, or familiarity with Sufism; even if you’re simply curious. Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity to learn in a community of fellow seekers, making new friendships and connections, and can expect to leave the workshop equipped with a set of tools for returning to connection with the source of all wisdom and love, throughout life’s changes and challenges.
This workshop will take place alongside the larger gathering, joining the larger group for meals, core teachings in the morning, and optional salat prayers, and evening khalwa prayer retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend who is new to Sufism!
Led by Dr Rahima Schmall and Dr Zuleikha Sainfort.
Register for Hijama Training
Alhamdulillah, there will be a Hijama (Cupping) training immediately prior to the Gathering on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025. To learn more or to register, click the button below.
We Need Volunteers!
As we come together for the Sufi International Gathering, we are reminded that such a sacred and enriching experience is made possible by the hearts and hands of many. This gathering is supported by dedicated volunteers who serve with love, and we invite all attendees to contribute to this spirit of thoughtful service.
Many hands, many hearts—each act of service, no matter how small, adds to the collective beauty of our time together. Whether offering assistance with setup, welcoming guests, or sharing your skills in other ways, your presence and generosity help create a space of warmth and connection.
If you feel moved to contribute, please let the organizers know what areas you would like to help with. Your kindness and participation will make this gathering all the more meaningful.
Donate to Support the Event
This retreat is more than just an event; it serves as a mercy-filled pathway for beloveds to return to Allah, heal their hearts, and walk together in peace, service, and remembrance. Such a gathering requires the help of many hands and generous hearts.
Your gift will not only sustain this gathering, it will also provide scholarships for beginners, families, and beloveds who need financial help to attend. By giving, you are offering sadaqa—a charity that will live on in every prayer spoken, every heart nourished, and every child who carries love in their heart after this event.
Your Gift Makes This Possible
- Helps cover the essential costs of this international retreat.
- Provides scholarships for beginners, families, and beloveds with financial need.
- Ensures no sincere seeker is turned away for lack of means.