ZIYARAH JOURNEY
Iraq Tour 2027
With Shaykh Ali Elsayed
Visit the sacred sites of Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf, sharing in Ziyarah, remembrance and the blessings of sohbah.
Full itinerary to follow.
View the Iraq journeyOUR NEXT JOURNEY · IRAQ · 2027
Iraq, 24 April to 3 May 2027. A journey of Ziyarah and companionship, with a UK retreat to follow in summer 2027.
TOURS & RETREATS
Join us for a journey of Ziyarah, or take time for reflection closer to home.
ZIYARAH JOURNEY
With Shaykh Ali Elsayed
Visit the sacred sites of Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf, sharing in Ziyarah, remembrance and the blessings of sohbah.
Full itinerary to follow.
View the Iraq journey
SPIRITUAL RETREAT
With Shaykh Ali Elsayed
Renew your faith through dhikr, Mawlid and inspiring teachings, with heartfelt companionship in the peaceful British countryside.
Dates and venue to be announced.
FUTURE JOURNEYS
Discover the journeys we're hoping to organise. Select a destination and register your interest to be among the first to hear when plans are announced.
Turkey · A journey in the makingFUTURE JOURNEY
About us
Traveller reviewsSohbah Retreats was born from a simple yet profound experience: the blessings of spending time in the company of those who truly love Allah Almighty and His Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Through our own journeys alongside respected Shuyukh, we came to appreciate the transformative power of good company — something that cannot always be gained through books or lectures alone.
Travelling with those whose hearts are filled with love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, sharing meals, attending gatherings of dhikr, and observing their character can leave a lasting impression on the heart.
Our inspiration is rooted in the timeless teaching of the Naqshbandi Way, frequently emphasised by Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Adil:
طَرِيقَتُنَا الصُّحْبَةُ وَالْخَيْرُ فِي الْجَمْعِيَّةِ
Tarīqatunā as-Suhbah wa l-Khayru fi l-Jam‘iyyah.
“Our way is companionship, and goodness is in gathering together.”
At the heart of Sohbah Retreats is the belief that good company shapes our hearts, our character and our relationship with Allah Almighty and His Messenger ﷺ.
OUR INSPIRATION
Sohbah Retreats is particularly inspired by Shaykh Ali Elsayed, who spent over 20 years in the blessed company of great spiritual teachers, including Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil and Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, accompanying them on journeys around the world.
Today, as the appointed representative of Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Adil in the United States and Canada, Shaykh Ali continues to share the wisdom and love gained through those years of companionship.
Our retreats and tours offer opportunities to spend meaningful time with Shaykh Ali Elsayed, with the intention, InshaAllah, of welcoming other like-minded scholars, teachers and individuals who share this love and spiritual outlook in the future.
Reflections from those who have journeyed with us.
We’re gathering feedback from our travellers. Their reviews will appear here, in their own words.
GOOD TO KNOW
Everything you need to know before joining one of our journeys.
You can enquire as an individual. Solo participation, the group format and room-sharing arrangements will be explained for each confirmed departure. Ask about these before booking.
Each programme will explain who it suits, including any age requirements, group composition and whether it is designed for individuals, couples or families. These details are not yet confirmed.
Tours focus on discovering places, Islamic heritage and local culture. Retreats have a more settled pace, with time for faith, learning, reflection and companionship. A destination may offer either or both.
Prayer arrangements, halal food provision, dietary support and any teaching programme need to be confirmed for each experience. Named teachers and the learning approach will be published where applicable; please ask about your requirements.
Room types, sharing arrangements and single-room options or supplements will be listed for each programme. Do not assume that a particular arrangement is included until it is confirmed.
Walking distances, terrain, transfers, early starts and free time should be reviewed before booking. Share access or mobility requirements with the team so the suitability of the programme can be discussed.
Flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and entry fees will be set out in the inclusions and exclusions for each experience. Nothing is assumed to be included at this stage.
The Iraq package is £1,350 and planned for 24 April to 3 May 2027, with a UK retreat in summer 2027. Register your interest or enquire with the organiser for full itineraries, inclusions, payment terms and booking information as these are confirmed.