Dear Ahmed,

            Aslamu Aliukum.  I hope you are in the best of health insha Allah. I am writing to you from Boston, MA to give you a little taste of my last 9 days at the Tarbiyah and Ilm Camp that is run by the Muslim American Society.

            Let me start by saying that I can’t describe the experience since it can only be realized by living through it.  However, I will try to create the atmosphere for such a virtual tour.

            The camp site, a beautiful destination by a lake and much vegetation – Camp Bement.  Everywhere you look, there are tall trees that demonstrate a long history.  This was one of the best aspects of this camp since it provided an atmosphere that was suitable for contemplation – a major part of spirituality.

            Secondly, the Ilm component of the camp was very thorough and well laid out.  This was no joke, we even had a test!  (Mind you it was open book). We talked about many things ranging from Gender Relations to Fiqh and from Seerah to giving dawah and being involved in a movement.  It was Alhamdilillah very informative and the speakers were well versed.

            Thirdly, the Tarbiyah aspect of the camp was also no light matter.  We were all members of different Usras (families) and we competed in our different usras against each other. 

            Fourthly, spirituality was highly integrated in the 9 day program.  Other than the talks and practical ways of cleansing our hearts, we felt how it was like to perform night prayers in congregation. Although it may have been difficult at times, it was well worth the trouble.

            Fifthly, team effort was a highlight of many different games that we got involved in.  Particularly, there was one game where we had to put ourselves into order by birthday/month without talking and with our hands behind our backs.  It was amazing to observe how humans communicate with one another!

            Last but not least, we got a sense of what brotherhood is all about, had fun playing volleyball, ate great food, enjoyed a hilarious entertainment session and got to meet great people.  Overall, Alhamdulillah, it was a fabulous experience that provided me with a great atmosphere to make some major decisions about where my life will be headed insha Allah.

            I hope you seize any opportunity that you get to attend this camp, it was one experience that will not be forgotten!

Waslaamu Alaikum