Updated 1 May 2013
A unique 2-day Couples Workshop was organised by The World Federation India Office on 20 and 21 April 2013. The Workshop aims were:
• The wheel of life and how to make the most of it
• The five love languages
• How to manage periods of change
• Practical tips and skills for a successful family life
• The Communication cliché
Such workshops are very rare in India and a workshop for couples had never ever been organised before. This workshop was held as a residential weekend retreat, away from the city in a well-known tourist hill station of India: Khandala. Khandala is a scenic hill station and is approximately 100 kilometres from Mumbai city. The workshop was held at Seth Mohammedbhoy Moloobhoy Sanatorium, popularly known as Khoja Sanatorium.
The workshop was attended by married couples who had been married for up to a period of five years. The course fee was subsidised by The World Federation at INR 1,500/- (USD $28) per couple.
The workshop was excellently facilitated by Br. Abbas Merali of London and Maulana Sayyid Ehsan Haider Javadi of Mumbai. The medium of instruction and discussion was English. A total of nine couples attended the workshop.
“This workshop gave us a totally new perspective of how we can improve our married life by making a few minor changes. It was an eye opener as drastic changes can be made just by changing the way we deal with different situations in life. It’s a total recommendation for all those who want to make their married life better.” Elina Jawad Rajani
The sessions were highly interactive, two-way discussions rather than lectures. All the couples were actively involved in the discussions. Maulana Javadi shared an overview of Islamic Family Ethics and his own experiences of family life.
“This programme was unique as most of it was personal interaction on how to face problems that a husband and wife face in their day to day lives.” Nadeem Halani
The participants were so energetic that even after the breakout sessions they were busy discussing their experiences with one another. It was a great opportunity to network and understand what each participant was going through and share hopes, fears, aspirations and also funny experiences. To make sure the mothers of toddlers were not distracted, baby-sitting was also arranged at the workshop. The ladies also appreciated the opportunity to recite their namaz with Jamaat.
Participants were also given the opportunity to see the natural beauty of the area, and were taken to Bushi Dam and Tiger Point after Fajr Namaz.
It was an emotional moment for a few participants while recollecting all that was discussed and what they would take back with them to lead a successful family life.
“You really did a very great job. Allah bless you all, this was the first time this kind of workshop has been conducted. This should be continued and be done again and forever.” Aabis Nathani
Sayyid Aliraza Naqvi, Assistant Secretary General for Islamic Education, commented: ‘With thanks to Allah, I am delighted to see the excellent progress of the work being done in India for the community. I am hopeful that our India Office will continue to serve the community in India and beyond. The India Office is now moving towards meeting its objectives set with great enthusiasm and uptake from the local community. I would like to appreciate the efforts of brother Asad Virani, Manager of the India Office, and also brother Abbas Merali for conducting this workshop. May Allah grant them safety and blessings, ameen.’
For more information email islamiceducation@world-federation.org