"Let there rise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity." [3:104]
The Al Hujjah retreat was an idea conceived and put into action by 10 active youths from different areas in the LA and SD areas. It emerged in the public eye early 2008, when a group of activists from Southern California emphasized and discussed the need for a united platform facilitating grass roots activism in the region. The founders envisioned this to be completed through forums, conferences, and more importantly spiritual retreats. Some of these youths were already exposed to some training from the first AMYNA Rise Retreat, but there was still a void to be filled locally.
The potential was there with having one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, but with over 12 different communities that have been broken and fragmented this task seemed almost impossible. The task seemed very daunting and intimidating to even fathom, with the plethora of issues amongst the communities beginning years, if not decades ago.
Nevertheless, with the inherent drive to bring change, the small group subdued all predicted obstacles from continuing the project. The inspiration and motivation was not only based on youth activism, but it was primarily based on serving and pleasing Imam Al Hujjah (a), the twelfth Imam (a) from where the name originates. The ten founders and members were determined that something must be done for the coming of the Imam.
On April 25 a new initiative was launched in Southern California. It was called the "Al-Hujjah Retreat", a two day intensive retreat in Big Bear Mountain. The theme of the retreat was "Conditioning the Soul: Preparing for the Imam of our Time." With the help and advice of the Allied Muslim Youth of North America and local community leaders the Al-Hujjah Retreat was highly successful. The response was amazing, with more people interested in coming than the retreat could accommodate.
Speakers and facilitators, including, Sayyid Abidi, Brother Dabaja, Brother Khan, Brother Ghaith, Brother Sabri, Sister Madina, and Brother Sayyid Aloom spoke on activism and spirituality all returning to the theme. For example topics on time management, community building, preparing for Imam Mahdi (a), gender relations, arrogance, and so forth were touched upon.
One of the organizers was quoted as saying,
"A bunch of us got together, and we had no idea the retreat would be successful like this. You all know the issues here in California, so this was a type of experiment, but the response we received was overwhelmingly positive, mashaAllah. We will definitely continue our efforts with this group and we hope everyone here benefited."
The aim of the Retreat was to foster the bonds of unity amongst the different activists or potential youth activists in the region; to promote reflection, contemplation, spirituality and finally to provide direct leadership skills in order to initiate positive change within the respective communities. It included a wide array of activities, including leadership training, lectures, interactive workshops, and spiritual components.
One of the attendees stated,
"I think its an excellent weekend and not because we drove twelve hours to get here. I like that we were giving practical examples, because a lot of us have ideas, but no one tells us what to do. I think it was inspiring to hear what other brothers and sisters did in the community and inshallah we can take it back and implement it in our lives."
Another said,
“I was really fed up with our communities and was ready to give up, but now I feel much more energized and ready to try to initiate some kind of change for my community. Thank you for having this Retreat. It has really given me hope.”