Caravan of Light: International Sufi Gathering

Theme

Caravan of Light
From every side, they come, they unite,
Walking, running, with hearts alight,
Answering the call of the caravan of light.
Awakened as seeds in a garden made alive

With Allah’s grace, the hearts took bloom,
A garden of love in summer’s room.
Day by day, with mercy and care,
The caravan flourished in warmth so rare.

Threads of hope and faith entwined,
A tapestry of hearts combined.
From tender lambswool, soft yet strong,
Woven together where they belong.

Fragrance of hope on the summer breeze,
Whispers of faith through the swaying trees.
Hands held firm to Allah’s rope,
Bound by love, alive with hope.

In the caravan's glow, hearts found their place,
Resilience forged in light and grace.
Standing as one, unwavering and bright,
Rejuvenated in the garden of light.

Fragility fades, their strength takes flight,
As they journey forth in the caravan of light.

The Layla Calling (UK) in cooperation with the SSC (Shadhiliyya Sufi Communities) would like invite you to the Second International Gathering in the UK, a 5-day journey filled with profound exploration and spiritual guidance, led by Ibrahim Jaffe MD, Fawzia Al-Rawi, Salima Adelstein, Wadude Laird MD, Nura Laird, Amany Shalaby and Kamila Shenmen at Waterperry House from the afternoon of Friday 27 June till the afternoon of Tuesday 01 July 2025.

Join us on this incredible journey. Secure your spot by booking your ticket to be part of this profound retreat.

Our Teachers

We are delighted to present a remarkable lineup of insightful Sufi teachers, including some who are visiting the UK for the very first time. Each teacher brings a different facet of Sufi wisdom, offering a unique perspective that enriches the experience for all. 

Dr. Ibrahim Jaffe, M.D.

Ibrahim Jaffe, M.D., is a physician, Sufi Master, and spiritual guide (Murshid Murabi Ruhi). As Founder and head of the Institute of Spiritual Healing, University of Sufism and the Ma'rifa Foundation, he is committed to people walking the path of spiritual unity and love. He is the author of God's Way: Sufi Spiritual Healing and the creator of the APIIR-TB divine healing method using the 99 Names of God. Through walking with Dr. Jaffe, people experience deep physical and spiritual healing. Dr. Jaffe's vision is to bring together the Light of all paths and help the world move to Oneness and Peace. His heart holds the tremendous power of unconditional love and gnostic understanding.

Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi Al-Rifai Ph.D.

Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi Al-Rifai was born in Baghdad and spent her childhood in Iraq and Lebanon. Her grandmother initiated her into the culture and traditions of the Middle East where belly-dancing played a major part as an expression of the world of the feminine.

Fawzia Al-Rawi holds a PhD in Islamic studies. She completed her Arabic, Islamic and ethnological studies at the Universities of Vienna and Cairo. She then spent 12 years in Jerusalem where she brought up her children and worked at the Institute for the Promotion of Palestinian Agriculture and at the University of Jerusalem, while deepening both her theoretical and practical knowledge of Sufism under the guidance of Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Al-Rifai. She has been living in Vienna with her husband and their three children since 2001.

Fawzia Al-Rawi has been teaching Sufism for over 20 years. She holds workshops in various countries and works particularly with women. Her teaching draws on a wealth of experience from a bicultural environment which uniquely enables her to build a bridge of understanding between different cultures, open a space where these can meet and thus contribute to peace. She has published several books in Arabic, German, English and French

Salima Adelstein M.Ed., D.D

Salima Adelstein is Co-President of University of Sufism and Academic Dean for the Spiritual Ministry degree programs. She is Founder and Spiritual Director of the Farm of Peace, a Sufi healing retreat center and community. As a Sufi Mystic, Master Healer and Teacher, she has guided students to the Truth for over 25 years. Salima is co-author of A Drop in the Ocean of Love and teaches seminars nationally and internationally. Salima’s vision is that all people discover and embody the deep truth of their beauty and essence, bringing to the world their divine gift from God. Her heart is filled with the joy and compassion that results from living in the heart of God.

John Wadude Laird, MD
Dr. Laird has been a student of Sufism and Sufi Healing for forty five years. During that time he has co-founded or played a strong supportive role in launching multiple organizations, including two Sufi spiritual communities, the Raphaelite Institute, the Jaffe Institute, the Shafiyy Institute of Health & Healing, the University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism, Great Smokies Medical Center, and Genova Diagnostics Medical Lab.

Currently, he serves on the tariqa’s Murshid Council. In addition to his active healing practice, Dr. Laird provides advanced medical advocacy services for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. Wadude and his beloved Nura married in 1969. Their daughters Sahra and Kamela are luminous teachers and healers in their own right. When Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal gave Dr. Laird the name “wadude,” the Shaykh said, “Wadude is the one who brings the deep love of God to the people.”

Nura Laird, M.Ed.

Nura Laird, M.Ed., has been a faculty member, Dean, , and co-chair of the Department of Peacemaking at The University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism (USHS), which was developed under the guidance of the Shaykh. Having been a student of healing and Sufism since 1977, she has extensive training and experience in community and family mediation and in teaching and counseling children and adults. Since graduating from the Energy Mastery School in 1992, Nura has worked professionally as a spiritual counselor, teacher and seminar leader internationally.

Nura is especially inspired to help restore the real love and peace to families, and to guide her clients and students to bring more love and peace into our world. Working with individuals and groups, she provides a safe, gentle, holy space in which to learn, transform, and heal.

Amany Shalaby M.A.

Amany Shalaby M.A. has eighteen years of experience providing Islamic Sufi education and spiritual care for several Shadhiliyya Sufi communities across the states. She is the founder of Universal Chaplaincy, a faculty member at the University of Sufism and a serving chaplain at several organisations. She is also certified in Islamic Law & Leadership by KARAMA Organization.

She is the author of The Essence of Creation, The Emanation of Consciousness, and Hidden Pearls. She authored two children's books published by Richard Ownes Publications Inc.: Goha and His Donkey, and The Little Puffer Fish. She also authored and published four poetry books, introducing The Beautiful Names of Allah to children: The Work of Our Hands…The Lights of Allah’s Names, Smart Tricks, Allah’s Generous Buffet, and A World of Kindness.

Amany obtained her certificate of clinical pastoral chaplaincy from Adventhealth, FL, 2020. In 2015, she earned her master's degree in comparative philosophy of religion from Middlesex University in London. She earned her post-graduate diploma in Islamic studies from the Islamic College of Advanced Studies in London in 2002. She obtained an ijazah (license) from Sidi Shaikh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal, who was the Imam for al-Masjid al-Aqsa and the Head of the Sufi Counsel in Jerusalem for thirty years. She served for twelve years as the Shaikh's simultaneous interpreter and she translated twenty books on Islamic spirituality, written by the Shaikh.

Kamila Shenmen, Ph.D., M.Div., Dipl.O.M.

Kamila Shenmen, Ph.D., M.Div., Dipl.O.M. is the Co-President of the University of Sufism, and holds the rank of Murabbi Ruhi in the Shadhiliyya Sufi tradition. She has a Master’s of Divinity degree from the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism and also holds a Doctorate in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. She worked for 18 years at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and received that institution’s prestigious NIH Director’s Award. She is also co-author of the Amazon best-selling book “A Drop in the Ocean of Love”. She is a certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine and has practiced as a healer in the Sufi tradition for over 20 years.

Kamila’s search for true healing at the deepest levels led her to Shaykh Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal and the ancient spiritual healing practices of Sufism. Having found, on the Sufi Way, the peace and healing that comes from opening the heart to God’s Love, Kamila is blessed to be able to share this healing path and its teachings with her students, community and clients. Her greatest wish for every human being is that they come to know the beauty, wholeness and truth they carry within.

Hawa Amanda Hummingbird

Hawa Amanda will be the pole teacher for the Children's Programme at the Caravan of Light. lives in Norfolk UK where she runs a Sufi Healing and Spiritual Retreat Sanctuary called Home House Homestead. She is a student at the Sufi University and is currently studying Sufi Healing level 2. She offers Sufi Healing, Transformative breath and bodywork, Sufi Somatic Yoga and is also a devotional musician. She also holds retreats, workshops and events. Last year, she began to have a small group of girls from her local community aged 10-15 and young women 16-21 to come and spend Sufi School weekends with her at Home House. She would love to start a Sufi School for children and young adults in the future. 

Hadra Music of the Soul

We are delighted that this Sufi music group will be joining us from Vienna and performing on one of the evenings during the Caravan of Light. 

Hadra Music of the Soul is a Sufi music group, deeply rooted in ancient healing traditions, tracing back to the Golden Age of Al-Andalus (8th–13th centuries). Their music —expression of longing for the beauty that lies in us—  brings relaxation and harmony within, while opening the heart. They use oriental scales as well as the knowledge from the Divine Names of the Sufi tradition, lovingly transmitted to the group by Fawzia Al-Rawi. 

Who is this event for?

This is an annual gathering for Sufi students from around the world. We also welcome other like-minded and like-spirited participants for this event, which is dedicated to your own spiritual growth and transformation. We also welcome those who have no previous experience with Sufism who are interested in the topic. We welcome children, teenagers and young adults too! (see below).

What is the approach used?

The International Gathering is interactive and experiential, working individually and in groups. Participants will benefit from the support of community and interaction with other participants. There is no end to the journey, but along the way there is replenishment and sustenance in numerous way stations to refresh and nourish you for the journey ahead. If God wills this retreat will be such a place.

Where will the event take place?

Waterperry House, Waterperry, Oxford, OX33 1JZ UK (Google Maps Link)

Waterperry House is a quaint, English stately country home surrounded by breathtaking public gardens filled with majestic trees, vibrant flowers, and serene hidden corners. The venue also features the charming Waterperry Gardens Teashop, the Museum of Rural Life, and a delightful gift shop, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation.

Service -An essential part of the International Gathering!

We are renting a house for our community to gather in retreat, creating a shared space for reflection and connection. As one family, we will all take responsibility for its care, ensuring it remains clean, peaceful, and welcoming. In tending to this space together, we cultivate a spirit of service, harmony, and belonging.

Service is a sacred act that humbles the soul and draws us closer to the Divine. Each day, we will have a dedicated time for every participant to engage in an act of service—be it the set-up of the teaching rooms, the hygiene of the dining rooms, or the care for the common areas. Each person will be placed in a team, which will be assigned a few tasks each day. 

Tickets 

There are a number of different tickets types to suit every need. We welcome children, teenagers, young adults and beginners. Due to limited rooms and scholarship funds, we encourage you to book in your tickets by mid April to help us plan the event better and enable us to welcome you all well.

Online Offering

We are delighted to offer the Caravan of Light on Zoom too. Please select the relevant ticket, and we will be sending you the link and details two days ahead of the event (Noting that the time zone will be British Summer Time 'BST' -for more information, please click here). Sessions will be recorded and shared after the weekend. 

*Simultaneous interpreting into Spanish will be available to participants via Zoom for all the sessions (teaching, Q&A, dhikr, etc.).

Online Participants Schedule

Please note that this is a tentative schedule, as some teachings may be longer or shorter than the set times, depending on the needs of the group.

📅 Day 1: Friday 27 June 2025 Evening Schedule (British Summer Time -BST)

- Evening: BST 07:30pm-09:00pm / EST 02:30pm-04:00pm Welcome & Opening Session

📅 Day 2: Saturday 28 June 2025 Schedule (BST)
- Morning*: GMT 09:00am-12:00am / EST 4:00am-7:00am

- Afternoon* GMT 02:30pm-05:30pm / EST 09:30am-12:30am

- Evening: GMT 8:00pm-9:00pm / EST 3:00pm-4:00pm

📅 Day 3: Sunday 29 June 2025 Schedule (BST)

- Morning*: GMT 09:00am-12:00am / EST 4:00am-7:00am

- Afternoon* GMT 02:30pm-05:30pm / EST 09:30am-12:30am

- Evening (Khalwa): GMT 9:30pm-00:30pm / EST 4:30pm-7:00pm

📅 Day 4: Monday 31 June 2025 Schedule (BST)
- Morning*: GMT 10:30am-12:00am / EST 5:30am-7:00am

- Afternoon* GMT 02:30pm-05:30pm / EST 09:30am-12:30am

- Evening Performance: GMT 8:00pm-9:00pm / EST 3:00pm-4:00pm Hadra Music of the Soul (Sufi Music Group)

📅 Day 5: Tuesday 01 July 2025 Schedule (BST)
- Morning*: GMT 09:00am-12:00am / EST 4:00am-7:00am

- Afternoon* GMT 02:30pm-04:00pm / EST 09:30am-11:00am Closing Afternoon Session

*Please note that there will be a 30-minute break during this session depending on the length of the teaching.

Accommodation -where can we stay?

You have three options for accommodation:

1- NEW! We have just secured a new venue for those who are looking for the ease of having their accommodation sorted! If you purchase a NEW! Full Ticket With Room Offsite (& Free Shuttle): you will be provided with accommodation offsite at Ripon College Cuddesdon (with a 12-minute drive in a free shuttle).

- All rooms will be dorm-style single bedrooms with shared bathroom. No other options are available.

- A free shuttle once in the morning (8:00am) and once in the evening (10:00pm) will be provided. 

- Address: Ripon College Cuddesdon, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX, UK (Click here for Google Maps).

- Breakfast will be included at Ripon College Cuddesdon.

- If you are looking to stay a night before and after, these will be for an extra price of £60 per night (including breakfast). You can email Sofie or Zenab on this email: caravan@thelaylacalling.com stating your exact dates, they will then confirm availability (if possible) and send you a separate payment link.

2- If you purchase an Event-Only Ticket: You are responsible to organise your own accommodation, transportation and breakfast (your ticket includes teachings and meals excluding breakfast). 

All Rooms at Ramada Oxford Are Now Sold Out! See option: NEW! Full Ticket With Room Offsite (& Free Shuttle) at Rippon College Cuddesdon!

- We have secured a preferential rate for our event at Ramada Hotel Oxford (12-minute drive from the venue) (Google Maps).

- Ramada Hotel Oxford offers a combination of single, twin, double, family and a handful of accessible rooms. They all have ensuites, naturally.

- The hotel is a few steps away from a food court that contains a number of fast food outlets (including Starbucks Coffee, Pizza Express, Burger King and Chopstix), a grocery store (Waitrose) and a book shop (WHSmith), with clean and modern facilities and ample parking.

- You will be offered a free 12-minute shuttle service twice in the morning (7:30am and 8:30am) and twice in the evening (9:30pm and 10:00pm) between Waterperry House and Ramada Hotel. 

- The booking also includes free parking (however, please note that there is limited parking space at Waterperry House).

- Most of our participants will be staying at the hotel and purchasing Event-Only Tickets due to limited spaces at Waterperry House.

- Participants are responsible to organise their own breakfast.

-  Please book your hotel directly by clicking on this link: Oxford Ramada Hotel | Ramada | Welcome Break Hotels. 

All Rooms at Ramada Oxford Are Now Sold Out! See option: "NEW! Full Ticket With Room Offsite (& Free Shuttle) at Rippon College Cuddesdon"!

2- All Rooms at Waterperry Are Now Sold Out! Please select a "NEW! Full Ticket With Room Offsite" or an "Event-Only Ticket" (organising your own accommodation, breakfast & accommodation)! -If you purchase a Full Ticket: Your ticket would automatically include a bed in a shared bedroom with a shared bathroom at Waterperry House, for 4 nights only (from the night of Friday 27 June till the morning of Tuesday 1 July, 2025). 

- Waterperry House is a quaint, old building with dorm-style bedrooms with 2, 3, 4 or 6 beds in one room with shared bathrooms. 

- What if I need to stay longer at Waterperry House? You would need to check out of Waterperry House on Tuesday 01 July and organise your own accommodation. Waterperry House requires all participants to leave the venue after the closing session of Tuesday 01 July, 2025. 

- Please note that ALL bedrooms are shared with 2,3, 4 or 6 beds in one room (with shared bathrooms)!

- Rooms will have towels and basic soap/shower gel. 

- As rooms are shared, we will match you randomly with other participants. If you wish to share with your friends (2 or 3 or 4 or 6 occupants per room), please note their names in the comments section on the Registration Form, when purchasing your ticket. Please note that for the roommate request to be processed, both roommates need to place the request in their forms. 

- Also, please note that we will do our best to respect your preferences for room types and roommates, however, given the limitations of the venue, there are times when we may not be able to do so. In most cases, participants will have to share with more than two participants.

- What if I cannot share a room with another participant? As all rooms are shared with a shared bathroom at Waterperry House, we invite you to purchase an Event-Only Ticket and book your accommodation at Ramada Hotel Oxford (see above) or any other location.

- There is a limited number of rooms available at Waterperry House, so if this is your preference, please book in early. All Rooms at Waterperry are Now Sold Out! Please select a "NEW! Full Ticket With Room Offsite" or an "Event-Only Ticket" (organising your own accommodation, breakfast & accommodation)! 

Food -what kind of food will be served?

Meals provided (& included in ticket): Friday dinner, to Tuesday lunch (as part of the International Gathering). If you are purchasing a Day Ticket (i.e. staying at the hotel), breakfasts will NOT be included. 

Food will be simple and vegetarian with a Moroccan twist. The menu will be different on most days. Here is an example menu for one day: 

- Breakfast: eggs (boiled or vegetable omelette), avocados, yogurt parfaits, selection of fruits, assorted cheeses and nuts, French pastries (croissants, pains au chocolat), jam and butter, freshly baked breads.

- Lunch: Salad: black bean salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, scallion and fresh cilantro. Main: cooked quinoa with herbs and Moroccan tagine with seasonal vegetables. Dessert: Dates.

- Children's Sufi School Lunch: salad, spaghetti with tomato sauce, dates. 

- Dinner: Salad: Green salad. Main: Morroccan Harira soup, assorted vegetable quiche, Dessert: apple pie.

- Children's Sufi School Dinner: chopped vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches, apple pie. 

Please notify us if you have any allergies/dietary requirements on the registration form, and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

How to get there?

Participants are responsible to find their own transportation arriving to and departing from the event (however, as mentioned, a shuttle service is provided between the hotel and Waterperry House during the event). If you are interested in sharing transportation with others, or offering transportation, please fill the form by clicking on the link (Give a Ride/Get a Ride Form).

Flying:

If you are flying, it would be best to select a flight that lands in a London Airport (Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton), noting that Heathrow Airport is the closest airport to Waterperry House.

From the airport to Waterperry House, you have three options: you can take an Uber, taxi or bus:
1- Uber from Heathrow Airport is around £80 ($100) and takes around 50 minutes, Gatwick is around £100 ($127) and takes around 1.5 hours

2- A black cab (taxi) is more expensive, you can get it from the black cab stand outside the terminal,

3- Local Taxi Company 001 Taxis Oxford: They operate 24/7 and ideally recommend booking the taxi approximately 1.5hours before you require pick up within Oxford/ around Waterperry. For more information visit and ways of booking visit https://www.001taxis.com/

4- Buses:

- Heathrow Airport (1 hr bus ride) and Gatwick Airports (2 hrs 30 minutes bus ride): A Bus from the airport to "Oxford: Thornhill Park and Ride Station", can be found outside the terminal. From "Oxford: Thornhill Park & Ride" to Waterperry House, you can take an 11- minute taxi or Uber. To book your bus please click here: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en or the airline - fast luxury buses between Oxford and the airports

- Luton Airport: You can take the bus to "Oxford: Gloucester Green" for around 2 hrs 15 min. The bus stop for National Express is outside the terminal. Once you get there, you need to take a 30-minute taxi ride. To book a taxi, please see below. To book your bus please click here: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en 

- Stansted Airport: you would need to travel into London, and then take the train from Marylebone station (see below). We recommend you avoid this airport, unless traveling by car (1hr 42 minutes drive).   

Train:

If you are arriving by train (Eurostar), there are a number of ways to get to Waterperry House:
1- Uber from St Pancras Station to Waterperry House is around £70 ($90)
2- Tube & Train: follow the signs from St Pancras Station to King's Cross St Pancras Underground Station. Take the Circle or Hammersmith or Metropolitan Lines to Marlybone Station, then take train from Marlybone Station to Haddenham & Thame Parkway, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride. To book your train: https://www.thetrainline.com/

Driving:

- Car Rental/Driving: please note that the venue has limited parking spaces, so please consider taking other forms of transport (bearing in mind that driving is on the left side of the road in the UK). 

- If you live in the UK and are planning on driving, we kindly invite you to fill the form (Give a Ride/Get a Ride Form) and offer to take other participants with you on the way, given the limited parking space.

Schedule

📅 Day 1: Friday 27 June 2025 Evening Schedule (British Summer Time -BST)
03:00-05:00 pm Arrival & room check-in
6:00-7:30 pm Dinner & dessert
7:30-9:00 pm Welcome & Opening Session
9:00-9:30 pm Service

📅 Day 2: Saturday 28 June 2025 Schedule (BST)
07:00-09:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall
08:30-09:00 am Service
09:00-12:00 am Morning Sessions #1&2
12:00-02:15 pm Lunch, Prayer & Personal Time
02:30-05:30 pm Afternoon Session #3&4
05:30-06:00 pm Break & Prayer
06:00-08:00 pm Dinner & Dessert
08:00-09:00 pm Evening Session (Music & Movement)
09:00-09:30 pm Service

📅 Day 3: Sunday 29 June 2025 Schedule (BST)
07:00-09:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall
08:30-09:00 am Service
09:00-12:00 am Morning Sessions #1&2
12:00-02:15 pm Lunch, Prayer & Personal Time
02:30-05:30 pm Afternoon Session #3&4
05:30-06:00 pm Break & Prayer
06:00-08:00 pm Dinner & Dessert
7:00-09:15 pm Optional: Comedy Twelfth Night Performance on the lawn (tickets bought separately)
09:00-09:30 pm Service
09:30-00:30 pm Khalwa (group meditation practice)

📅 Day 4: Monday 31 June 2025 Schedule (BST)
08:30-10:30 am Breakfast in Dining Hall
10:00-10:30 am Service
10:30-12:00 am Morning Sessions #1
12:00-02:15 pm Lunch, Prayer & Personal Time
02:30-05:30 pm Afternoon Session #3&4
05:30-06:00 pm Break & Prayer
06:00-08:00 pm Dinner & Dessert
08:00-09:00 pm Evening Session: Hadra Music of the Soul (Sufi Music Group)
09:00-09:30 pm Service

📅 Day 5: Tuesday 01 July 2025 Schedule (BST)
07:00-09:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall
08:30-09:00 am Service
09:00-12:00 am Morning Sessions #1&2
12:00-02:15 pm Lunch, Prayer & Personal Time
02:30-04:00 pm Closing Afternoon Session 
04:30 pm Departure

 Children's Sufi School 

We’re excited to offer a special Sufi School for the children of participants, so parents can fully enjoy the event without worrying about childcare. Designed for ages 7–12 (with some exceptions for 6 year-olds), this programme includes inspiring Sufi teachings from the main teachers, creative indoor and outdoor activities with a spiritual twist and time for play and games. Parents need to attend to their children during lunch break (12:30-2:30pm) and at the end of the programme day (5:30 pm). To make it accessible, we’re offering a subsidised rate for the full 5-day experience—covering meals, and all activities. Parents will need to book the children into the hotel (see Accommodation Section). Spaces are limited, so book soon before they fill up! Same rate applies for day participating children.

Beginners Programme: An Invitation for Adults, Young Adults & Teens -Explore, Connect, and Discover
Curious about Sufism? Searching for something but not sure what it is? Join our Beginners Programme, designed to explore the ancient wisdom of Sufism in a welcoming and open space. Spend five days and four nights in a stunning location, meet like-minded people, and learn from incredible teachers—all while enjoying a mix of deep discussions, reflection, and fun. Beginners will have their dedicated teacher, and their own programme, which includes their own sessions with the main teachers, as well as access to some of the main sessions.

For Teens only: to make it accessible, we’re offering subsidised tickets, covering teachings, accommodation in a shared room at the Ramada Oxford Hotel and meals for the entire retreat. Teenagers will be roomed with their families, if they are coming with them. Spaces are limited, so book now and take the first step on this journey!

Optional Entertainment during the event: Shakespeare Under the Stars: Twelfth Night 🎭

We are fortunate that during our retreat, it coincides with a special performance by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, who will be bringing Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy, Twelfth Night, to life. This will be performed in the classical Shakespearian style with an all-male cast of actors. This open-air theatre experience will take place on the Picnic Lawn near the play area, opposite the teashop, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening of laughter and storytelling in a beautiful setting.

Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025 from 7:00pm-9:15pm

If you are interested in attending, you can book your tickets directly from the Lord Chamberlain's Men website (tickets are on sale now!): Twelfth Night at Waterperry Gardens event tickets from TicketSource

What will the weather be like in June?

- Temperature: Average daytime highs of 19–22°C (66–72°F) and cooler evenings around 10–12°C (50–54°F).

- Light to moderate rain is possible, with occasional sunny days.

- Conditions: Generally mild and pleasant, but the weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine, clouds, and showers.

What should I wear?

English weather can be unpredictable, even in June. While the days are often mild and pleasant, with occasional warm sunshine, rain showers and cooler evenings are common. So it's best to be prepared for a mix of warm, rainy, and cool weather. Please be mindful that Waterperry House has old floor boards that may have splinters, so please be mindful not to walk barefoot.

What do I need to bring with me?

Unscented shampoo/body wash (basic shampoo/shower gel is provided at the venue and hotel), notepad and pen, refillable water bottle, warm layers/sweaters, indoor slippers, umbrella/ raincoat, hairdryer (if needed), converter plug to UK (if needed), sunscreen (if needed), masks & hand sanitisers (optional). At Waterperry, rooms will have towels and shampoos.

What can I do around Oxford?

- For the digital and downloadable guide -https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/oxfordshire-visitor-guide/

- For the Events guide: https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/whats-on/

What can I do in London?

- For more information on what to do in London, please click link https://www.visitlondon.com/

USA to UK -Do I need a passport to travel to the UK?

- You need a passport to travel to the UK.

- Passports can take 4-6 weeks or less with higher fees.

Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?

Visa requirements for the UK depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Noting that US-Citizens require to apply for an electronic visa (ETA), which normally takes 3 days, but may take longer. Apply early! For the most accurate and up-to-date information on whether you need a visa, click here: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Scholarships -what if I need some financial help?

UPDATE: Please note that all scholarship funds have now been used up. You are still welcome to apply, however, any new applicants will be wait-listed until further funds are available. We invite those who are able to donate to enable others to attend this special event to Click Here -We are deeply grateful for your support!

Thanks to a generous donation and the support of many of our event contributors, we are thrilled to already offer heavily subsidised event tickets. We pray this means that more participants can join this special gathering.  

We understand that financial circumstances can vary, so if the total cost to attend poses a challenge, we welcome and encourage you to apply for scholarship support, if guided. As scholarship funds are limited, it will be offered on a first-come first-serve basis and for those in need. Please apply as early as possible for our and your planning purposes, and in order to be able to purchase affordable plane tickets, especially if traveling from afar. (Please note that we can only provide partial reimbursement for plane tickets). 

Also, please note if an approved scholarship includes accommodation, participants will be accommodated at the Ramada Hotel Oxford and provided with a free 12-minute shuttle service between the hotel and the venue. For more details, please refer to the Accommodation section above.

We will encourage each applicant to pray and ask for guidance on what amount to seek. Please complete our support form and we will gladly work with you to help you be part of this event. Once you have filled the form, you should hear back from us within a week.

Need to apply for a scholarship? Please click on this link and fill the form.

“True (healing) is based on belief in Oneness and belief that Allah is the Sovereign of the whole universe, that healing is in His hand and that He is the One Who bestows the cure as a gift to the human being” -The Medicine of the Prophet, pg. 5

I am certified Sufi Healer (or I am a certified using a different modality) and would like to offer healings during the event, is that possible?

Our community has been blessed with knowledge of natural healing remedies, holy healing prayers, and spiritual remedies to support well-being while under the care of a physician.

All participants are advised to follow the care of their medical physicians, receive regular check-ups, and follow the advice of their licensed medical professionals while working in conjunction with Sufi healers. Spiritual healing is not a substitute for medical treatment.

The Layla Calling does not endorse nor recommend specific healing practitioners or practices. We also cannot provide a specific space for healers to practice their healing modality, during the event.

Arrangements for giving or receiving natural healing remedies, holy healing prayer, or spiritual remedies to support well-being are private arrangements between individuals. 

However, if you would like to offer Sufi healing modalities during the Caravan of Light International gathering, please follow the below guidelines:

- Obtain written consent, which includes a liability waiver and release form.

- Ensure your professional energy medicine practitioner insurance coverage is up-to-date and current. i.e. EMPA or other

- Please let clients know to obtain ongoing, regular medical care and follow the advice of their medical physicians.

- Please inform clients that the healing agreement is an individual, private agreement between the practitioner and client, not endorsed by The Layla Calling.

- A highly recommended practice in the Sufi way is the offering of sadaqah. “Even if you are poor, I advise you to give something to those in need” – The Gift of Healing, pg. 19

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him, said, ‘There is no person who is afflicted with a wound on his body, and he gives charity due to that, except Allah expiates from him the like of what he gave in charity.’

Where can I give a donation?

Would you be willing to help others attend this special event? Many beloved community members face financial challenges, and your donation can make a big difference. Click the link now to support their attendance and spread the joy:  click here.

Can I get a refund?

There is an administrative processing fee of £39 per ticket, which also includes Ticket Tailor fees. No refunds are available after 27 May 2025. Please email caravan@thelaylacalling.com to request a refund.

Event Checklist - Not sure what is next?

Where can I give a donation?

Would you be willing to help others attend this special event? Many beloved community members face financial challenges, and your donation can make a big difference. Click the link now to support their attendance and spread the joy:  click here.

Do you have more questions?

We would love to hear from you! Please email Sofie and Zeynab here: caravan@thelaylacalling.com 

We also welcome those who prefer a phone conversation, please message us on WhatsApp to arrange a call on:

Sofie: +32 47 91 04 644 

Zeynab: +44 77 31 77 13 50 

* We will update this website with information, please continue to check it for any updates.