In late October, I attended the 2nd Annual Muslim Culture Con Retreat in Clayton, Georgia. I had the privilege of spending a beautiful weekend in the mountains with my community. The retreat was at a breathtaking campground with hiking trails, a lake, and lodging for over 200 guests.
The MCC Retreat was spiritually engaging and enlightening. Three weeks later, I continue to reflect on the treasured memories and important lessons that have renewed my connection to my people.
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We began the first night of the retreat with an immersive Nasheed circle led by Shaykh Adeyinka Mendes. Together we sang Tala’al Badru Alayna (the Native Deen version!) and other songs from our culture, including one that the Shaykh composed. It was the perfect introduction to the weekend, as we came together to send our Salawat upon the Prophet PBUH and be in community with one another.
The next morning, attendees prayed Fajr in congregation, followed by group Quran recitation and a short halaqa. This ibadah set the stage for the next two mornings we spent together.
On Friday and Saturday, we attended sessions with esteemed scholars, teachers, and shuyukh. We were blessed to have such a fantastic lineup: Shaykh Adeyinka Mendes, Coach Sabria Mills M.Ed., Ustadha Aneesah Dawan, Imam Faheem Shuaibe, Imam Mansoor Sabree, Sister Maymuna Sabree, Sister Anaya Walker, Ustadha Shahidah Sharif, and Imam Sulaimaan Hamed. Each of our teachers guided us in discussions centered on the retreat theme: Foremost and Favored: Reclaiming Our Responsibilities with Patience and Constancy. All of the sessions were enriching and evocative, and throughout them, a message rang clear. The speakers asked us to confront our “pain points” in our personal lives, families, communities, and among our people. Through these hardships, they remarked, we must make a concerted effort to turn to Allah – to come to Salah, to think well of Him, and to stay patient. As we contend with these matters, we purify ourselves (tazkiya) and turn them into our mission, performing khidmah (service). Through this process, we become one of the Sabiqoon (the foremost) and the Muqarrabun (the favored), Bi’ithnillah.
Everyone stepped out in their Friday best for Jumu’ah (naturally!). Afterward, retreatgoers had their third outfit change for the Retreat Field Day. Folks played soccer, volleyball, and tennis. I decided to join the kickball game, but unfortunately, I ended up twisting my ankle—ouch! After regaining my dignity, I limped my way to the auditorium for the Open Mic, where attendees shared poetry, spoken word, rap, and song. The crowd was rapt, and after each act, the room broke into applause and cheer. Riveting is an understatement.
After the Open Mic, we started the first of four Marriage™ Discussions. (I think MCC is singlehandedly trying to end the marriage crisis in the Ummah.) In separate rooms, Coach Sabria, Sister Anaya, and Sister Nandee Shabazz fielded questions, comments, and grievances from the sisters. Imam Faheem and Shaykh Mendes did so for the brothers. The next morning, brothers and sisters swapped speakers. Imam Faheem regaled the sisters with stories from his 50-year-long marriage, Allahuma barik. Afterward, brothers and sisters came together, and attendees had an opportunity to share reflections and ask questions. For the fourth session, single sisters and brothers went into one room, while married couples went into another.
These conversations were phenomenal. In our community and, ultimately, the Ummah, discussions surrounding marriage/relationships can become so volatile that they lead to a breakdown in communication. This breakdown becomes intergenerational. Men and women are driven further apart when there is no space for genuine exchange or mutual respect. I appreciated that MCC fostered healthy dialogue between attendees and encouraged candid thoughts, concerns, and queries.
For about a day and a half, marriage talk consumed the attendees. Between sessions and group activities, clusters of people gathered in the main hall, on the field, in the auditorium – all in deep discussion. It was reminiscent of Kamp Khalil 2025 (in the best way).
On our last night, the organizers hosted a game night. The main hall instantly became a war zone. Three separate games of UNO, spades, Taboo, Black Card Revoked, and a cypher in the corner – it was messy, loud, sometimes emotional, and more than anything, thrilling. We stayed in the main hall into the early hours of the morning, as the friendly fire gave way to laughter and long conversation.
The following morning, Shaykh Mendes took a group of us on a post-Fajr hike, and despite my ankle, I pressed on. For the first half, we stayed silent and recited Dhikr to ourselves. We then arrived at a clearing, where the Shaykh asked us to sit, close our eyes, and ground ourselves in Allah’s creation. Shaykh Mendes then directed us to be aware of Allah looking upon us in His creation. It was a powerful directive – in my experiences of guided meditation, I’d never consciously reflected on Allah’s presence. Subhanallah! Once we opened our eyes, my groupmates shared reflections about the retreat, our hearts, ourselves, and our Lord.
On the way back from the hike, something clicked for me.
In the days leading up to the retreat, I faced unexpected challenges that felt overwhelming, almost unbearable. I kept asking myself, “I’m carrying all of this—where can I set it down?” Then, during the final activity, a moment of clarity illuminated my heart: true peace lies in knowing that Allah is the One who will carry this burden for me. He WILL lighten my load, and I must wholeheartedly place my trust in Him. Alhamdulillah for the opening and relief this created for me.
I want to give a special shoutout to the Muslim Culture Con board for a successful second year. Their hard work and tireless efforts have brought a generation back to life. MCC provides spaces for young African-American Muslims to meet and grow together. In these spaces, we are seen, understood, and embraced. I’m so grateful to you all, and I’ll be back in the woods next year, trust!
Finally, a shoutout to the ladies in Cabin 14. My sisters in Islam! May we all be the foremost and favored. Ameen.
Here are a few retreat photos from my camera roll:
Malika Umar is MANA’s Network Coordinator and a facilitator for the ITSFAAM Youth and Young Adult cohorts. She is also a budding historian and photographer specializing in Afrofuturism and African-American Muslim culture. Trained in Anthropology, Malika aims to uphold the legacy of African-American Muslims by cementing their narrative in academia and artistic spaces.
