Sultan Travels and Illuminoor present
Join Sultan Travels and Illuminoor for a weekend family workshop Guardians of the Unseen: Exploring the Status of Women in Islam, led by esteemed scholar Imam Fode Drame.
Overview Dates:
Friday – Sunday, October 9-11, 2026
Time:
Friday Welcome Session: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (with breaks)
Location:
HAWA Community Center — 4401 Fair Lakes Ct, Fairfax, VA 22033
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket: $275 — includes workshop materials, meals, light refreshments
Children’s Program (2-6): $75
Children's Program (7-11): $95
Young Adult’s Activities (12+): $125 — includes chaperoned off-site activities
About the Workshop
This intensive workshop invites participants to engage deeply with the phrase "guarding the unseen" — an approach to understanding protection, responsibility, and dignity as they relate to women and their status in Islam. Using Surah An‑Nisa(4:34) as a focal point, Imam Fode Drame offers a fresh, contextualized exegesis that addresses historical readings, linguistic nuance, and ethical implications. The goal is to illuminate dimensions of the verse and related teachings that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
What You Will Explore
Linguistic unpacking of Surah An‑Nisa 4:34: key Arabic terms, syntactic structure, and how different classical and modern translators render the verse
Historical context: social, legal, and cultural realities at the time of revelation that shaped the verse’s language and immediate application
The concept of "guarding the unseen": theological and ethical meanings of protection, privacy, guardianship, and dignity in the Quranic framework
Power, responsibility, and mutual rights: rebalancing notions of authority and care in family and community life
Practical implications: guidance for pastoral care, conflict resolution, and community policy that protect women’s dignity and safety
Method and Format
Live lectures by Imam Fode Drame combining classical tafsir methodology with contemporary hermeneutics
Interactive discussion sessions to reflect on implications for families, institutions, and personal practice
Small-group break-out sessions to develop community-centered approaches to upholding women’s dignity and protection
Facilitator: Imam Fode Drame — scholar experienced in Quranic exegesis, community leadership, and interfaith engagement
What to expect
A workshop led by Imam Fode Drame — Esteemed scholar, teacher, and Quranic exegesis known for clear, compassionate exposition of Quranic principles and their relevance to modern family and community life.
Thoughtful, accessible presentations grounded in Quranic teachings and classical scholarship.
Interactive Q&A with Imam Fode Drame to address contemporary questions about gender, rights, and roles within Islamic tradition.
Small group discussions and guided reflection to encourage personal and familial application of the material.
Optional events such as community mawlid
Resource kit including note taking material and recommended readings.
Who should attend
Families seeking an informed, faith-centered exploration of women’s status in Islam.
Community leaders, educators, and youth mentors.
Anyone interested in respectful, scholarship-based dialogue on gender, faith, and practice.
Notes
Modest dress and respectful behavior are requested.
Sessions will include prayer breaks; attendees are welcome to join.
Materials will be made available in both print and digital formats.
Join us to deepen understanding, strengthen family bonds, and engage in meaningful, faith-rooted conversation about the status and dignity of women in Islam.
Contact Illuminoor at nbokharee@illuminoor.org or Sultan Travels at bookings@sultan-travels.com for more information.
Spaces are limited—reserve your family’s place soon..
