Preparing for The Zawiyah

As you prepare for The Zawiyah, please review the videos to prepare for sessions, suggested packing lists and Camp Zeke guidelines below.

Session Preparation

In order to prepare for the Zawiyah, Dr. Umar has requested that all participants review the following previously recorded videos on ‘aqeedah (Islamic creed).

In this lecture series, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah teaches 'aqeedah using the primer 'Aqeedat Al-Najaat (Creed of Deliverance) by Imam Muhammad Ibn Ja'far al-Kittani. This course was taught over 7 days in Cairo, Egypt during January 2013.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

In this lecture, Dr. Umar briefly talks about the two schools of interpreting Mutashabihat (i.e. Hand of God, Eyes of God): the Salaf and the Khalaf (Ash'ari, Maturidi and Mu'tazili). The fifth and sixth attributes (Self-Sufficiency and Absolute Oneness) are here interpreted (line 7).

Session 5

Dr. Umar offers an interpretation on all the attributes mentioned on line 8 of Al-Kattani's text: Life, Knowledge, Will and Power. Through these, he speaks of the impossibility of this world created randomly and by chance as God's Knowledge is infinite; and the two cosmic relations of God's will: preexistent efficient and preexistent sufficient.

Session 6

Dr. Umar explains the last three basic attributes of God which are Hearing, Seeing and Divine Speech that are on line 9 of the text. He also shows how the change in the world is a manifestation of the existence of God. He also shows the difference between opposites and contraries.

Session 7

In this last lecture, Dr. Umar covers the concept of free will and the idea of cause and effect.

 

What to Bring

Camp Zeke is at approximately 1,800 ft above sea level, and the autumn climate can be quite cool. We expect high temps in the 60’s to low’s in the upper 30’s. Please note the following items as you prepare:

  • Comfortable, layered clothing (t-shirts, full sleeve shirts, and sweaters) for changes in temperature throughout the day

  • Fleece jacket or sweater for cool evening weather

  • Weather-resistant jacket/outerwear

  • Umbrella, in light of possible forecasted rain

  • Activewear

  • Water bottle

  • Sunglasses

  • Sneakers and/or hiking shoes

  • Sandals and/or flip flops

  • Extra towels or bedding (optional, as we will be provided with then essentials) – please note that cabins will be heated

  • Basic toiletries

  • Hat

  • Sunscreen and bug spray

  • Writing/note-taking materials (notebook, pens/pencils, electronic device, etc)

Camp Zeke Guidelines

The following guidelines are from Camp Zeke management and should be followed by all participants.

  1. We request that there is NO SMOKING or lighting of candles or anything flammable in any of the camp’s buildings or on the porches. When smoking on our grounds, please advise participants to dispose of all cigarettes properly.

  2. All children under the age of 15 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

  3. Our gym is available for your use throughout your stay. We respectfully ask that you please clean up after yourselves when using the gym. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the gym and teens 16 and younger should only use the equipment with adult supervision – thank you for your cooperation.

  4. Cell phones get limited service at camp.

  5. We strive to keep our grounds clean and litter free for the enjoyment of all. Please dispose of all garbage properly.

  6. Our dining room and kitchen are kosher. We kindly ask that you do not bring any food or eating utensils into these rooms unless approved by the camp’s administration. You may serve and have other food outside of the main dining room. We are also a nut-free facility, and respectfully ask that you do not bring any nuts or nut-based products into our dining room or kitchen.

  7. We respectfully ask that your guests arrive on time for meals. If the group is going to be more than 15 minutes late, please advise the kitchen at the prior meal. It is our aim to provide you with the freshest, most delicious food.

  8. Parking is permitted in designated areas only. Please do not park elsewhere without permission. Cars may not be parked near the housing units.

  9. The lake and pool may be used only when staffed by a lifeguard authorized by the Camp Zeke.

  10. If the weather is cool, the central heating system will be turned on in each building.

  11. Guests may adjust the thermostats in the rooms themselves. If they need further assistance with the heating, please have them contact the office.

  12. For warm days, all of our rooms are individually air-conditioned. Guests may operate these units themselves using the remote control located on the wall near the door.

  13. Help us to conserve energy by turning off lights, air-conditioning and keeping doors closed.

  14. We hope you enjoy exploring our beautiful nature trails. Please advise guests to always hike with a friend and to avoid entering the trails at dusk or after dark.