MARY IN THE QURAN
July 9th to the 14th 2026
- Corsica, France -
"O Mary, indeed Allah has purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.”
Our Sanctuary
Known as L’Île de Beauté — the Island of Beauty — Corsica is one of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking and soul-stirring treasures. Floating between France and Italy, this mountainous island offers a landscape where wild nature and ancient historical grounds merge, making it the perfect sanctuary to reflect upon the life and legacy of the woman most honored by Allah — Mary (peace be upon her).
Here, the sea shimmers in impossible shades of turquoise, curling around hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. Inland, majestic peaks stretch heavenward, draped in pine, chestnut, and oak. Waterfalls descend through deep, quiet gorges, and timeworn stone villages cling to the hillsides — untouched and enduring.
Our refuge for this sacred retreat will be a 15th-century monastery, fully privatized for our gathering — a sanctuary suspended between earth and sky. Here the sea bows in the distance. The garden sings of lemon, tangerines, and myrtle. As you traverse its ancient corridors, you can almost hear the echoes of devotion that once reverberated through its walls.
The Retreat’s Essence
In the pursuit of Mary
At the heart of this retreat is the luminous legacy of Mary, the most honored woman in the Qur’an, chosen, purified, and elevated above all women of the worlds.
She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an — mentioned 34 times — and the only one to have an entire chapter revealed in her name: Surah Maryam. Her story is not only one of divine motherhood, but of unwavering faith, sacred retreat, and total devotion to Allah.
We will gather to explore the depth of her story:
how she withdrew in silence, devoted herself entirely to her Lord, and became the vessel through which one of the greatest miracles of creation — Prophet Issa (Jesus), peace be upon him — was born.
We will sit with the verses that unveil her character, her purity, her strength, her silence, and her absolute surrender (taslīm). We will reflect on how we, too, as women and seekers, can become living embodiments of ‘ubūdiyyah — of loving servitude to Allah.
Offerings & Investment
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Private Petite Room with Single sized bed and Shared Bathroom — 3650 euros
Private Room with Queen or King Sized bed with Private Bathroom and Sea Views — Sold Out
Private Room with Queen or King sized bed and Shared Bathroom — Sold Out
Private Petite Room with Single sized bed and Shared Bathroom — Sold Out
Private Casita with Living Room, Queen Sized with Private Bathroom and Garden Views — Sold Out
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The monastery will be ours, a sacred haven, fully privatized just for our sisterhood. You will be welcomed into the majesty of its architecture, the serenity, and the richness of its spiritual peace.
Rest beneath the gentle shade of a tree, let the sun’s golden rays warm you by the pool, or discover a quiet, hidden corner in the beautiful embrace of our monastery.
Every nook and whispering pathway invites you to slow down, wander barefoot, and lose yourself in a dreamlike haven that feels at once peaceful, magical, and unmistakably home.
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Relish in bountiful and lovingly prepared, artisanal meals crafted from organic, locally sourced produce from the island, each one honoring the abundant blessings of our Creator.
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Each day, you will be welcomed to engaging lectures and writing workshops exploring Mary in the Quran, her blessed family, her mother Anna, Prophet Jesus, Zachariah and Yahya (John the Baptist). You will delve into profound insights, from the concept of the womb as rahma in the Quran to the spiritual significance of the date palm beneath which Mary gave birth. All of this will unfold amidst the warmth of a beautiful date-and-coffee ceremony, and so much more, inviting reflection, inspiration, and connection.
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The incredibly talented illustrator and ceramist Rama Duwaji will lead us through a breathtaking workshop inspired by the palm tree that sheltered Mary during her labor, and by the dates God divinely revealed to nourish and sustain her during childbirth.
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Our Founder and Host lovingly handpicks welcoming gifts for you. Each present carries her care, her inspiration, and a piece of her heart, and she delights in sharing these spiritual treasures with you.
Outside of the structured gatherings, you’ll have ample time for personal reflection, meditation, prayer, or simply resting by the pool. You may also choose to wander the island’s natural beauty, letting its quiet rhythms restore your spirit. This balance of guided learning and personal stillness allows each participant to internalize the teachings and cultivate a deeper connection with both the earth beneath us and, through it, our Creator.
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Our retreat extends a heartfelt invitation to those of various faiths or those who choose a non-religious path. Our only request is that participants bring an open heart and a deep respect for the spiritual nature of the retreat. While we celebrate the diversity of beliefs, we ask that everyone honors the spiritual atmosphere we aim to cultivate. What unites us is a shared commitment to respect, courtesy, and savoir-vivre.
Please note that this is an alcohol-free retreat. In honor of the space and its sacred purpose, alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the property.
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The Monastery is ideally located just 40 minutes by taxi from Bastia Airport, offering guests a convenient and easily accessible arrival. Before the retreat, we’ll create a WhatsApp group to help guests connect and arrange shared shuttles or cabs. Kindly note that transportation to the venue is not included in the retreat’s price.