ABC TV , Compass - The Islamic Retreat Pt. 1 of 4 , 9:25pm Sunday, 10 May 2009 , discover WHY Islam grows so fast

Compass - The Retreat Pt. 1
9:25pm Sunday, 10 May 2009 Society and Culture CC M
Website
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/200905/programs/RN0811H015D10052009T212500.htm

This series allows viewers an inside look at the spiritual side of
Islam. Three British men and three British women leave their lives
behind to embark on a soul searching, thought-provoking and life-
changing journey.

The British Muslim community is diverse and encompasses many ethnic
groups. This program aims to break some of the stereotypes and
misconceptions surrounding the Islamic faith. Made up of people from a
variety of backgrounds, the group includes lapsed Muslims, casual
followers, recent converts and the totally uninitiated, all seeking to
gain a deeper understanding of the faith.

Spending four weeks living in a Muslim retreat, in a beautiful but
remote Islamic madrassa in Andalusia, Spain, the group will follow a
more traditional, slower pace of life.

As well as being offered guidance by the school, they will also
meet key teachers of Islam from the UK. Their focus will be to worship
Allah, and to become more thoughtful, gentler, kinder individuals.

But with strict rules to follow and none of the comforts of Western
living, the road to enlightenment is not going to be easy.

Daily filming and personal video diaries give us a true insight
into the thoughts and feelings of our contributors as they undergo
this amazing experience.

In the first of three episodes, the new arrivals struggle to adapt to
the retreat's demanding routine. As well as regular periods of silent
contemplation and spiritually uplifting work on the land, the group
must also attend the five daily prayers that begin before sunrise.

While some find it almost impossible just to survive without their
mobile phones, others struggle to engage their hearts rather than
their heads. But some of the group are immediately touched by the
beauty and tranquility of their new surroundings and respond
instinctively and emotionally to the spiritual message they are
hearing.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/200905/programs/RN0811H015D10052009T212500.htm
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