Enabling learning & service.
At a time where in person access to traditional scholarship and skills is becoming increasingly rare, Azahara has grown into a place of learning – hosting scholars, practitioners, and students from across the world. Our volunteers play a key role in making scholarship accessible, which is why we’ve launched our Khidma programme, to support and train them. Centred around the Prophetic model (ﷺ) of love and service, the programme helps develop individuals into caretakers of the earth. Can you help us sustain it?
KHIDMA PROGAMME
Azahara receives volunteers from diverse corners of the globe, each with a shared commitment to service and desire to connect with nature. Our volunteers have played a vital role in our work and community here. They are a pivotal support from tending to the land and caring for the animals, to providing hospitality to our guests and contributing to the planning of events.
To build on this effort, we launched the Azahara Khidma programme in 2024, with the intention of empowering individuals into stewards through love and service. The programme addresses a critical gap in our communities and homes, focusing on the essence of service—what it means, how we can serve, the challenges involved and more.
Participating volunteers embark on a holistic journey encompassing spiritual nourishment, community living, and hands-on service training. The program's educational component delves into both inner and outer etiquettes, drawing on the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Central to the curriculum is the classical text Risalat al-Anwar fi Adab as-Suhbah ‘inda’l-Akhyar by Imam Ash-Sharani, taught by a traditional scholar. Participants also engage in mindfulness practices guided by a trained therapist and explore tafakkur (contemplation) under the direction of a scholar. Additionally, they gain practical experience through activities centred on hospitality and land stewardship.
The Khidma programme is currently run annually and is being developed into a route through which volunteers join Azahara, so that every volunteer can participate in a khidma programme. The Khidma programme is held annually and is being developed as a pathway for volunteers to join Azahara. To that end, we’re working to ensure every volunteer has the opportunity to participate in a Khidma experience. Your support can make this possible.
Your donations could contribute towards the cost of making the khidma programme more accessible to volunteers, students and participants. It could cover food, board and teaching materials. Just €15 can cover the cost of the core teaching book!
2024 participant
“This is a very unique and special course which helps you connect with your heart. If you are a seeker , this is a beautiful station on the way...”
2024 participant
“This programme was the true embodiment of khidma, through the lessons and the teachers and hosts themselves. Serving others taught me a lot about the condition of my own heart, a lot of inner work, with much self reflection, mindfulness as well as studying the etiquettes of companionship which is where khidma really begins...”
2024 participant