The 2025 NASFAT Sisters’ Retreat, held from Thursday, October 9 to Sunday, October 12, 2025, came to a spiritually fulfilling close on Sunday at the Aiyepe Central Mosque, Aiyepe, Ogun State. The four-day event brought together Muslim women from across the country for an inspiring period of reflection, mentorship, and sisterhood.
The retreat’s formal opening ceremony, which took place on Saturday, October 11, was graced by the National Amirah, Sister Ummulkhayr Adeleke-Lawal, who called on participants to remain faithful, patient, and supportive of one another in all aspects of life. She emphasized that every believing woman must strive to embody patience, perseverance, and truthfulness while maintaining compassion in their daily relationships.
According to her, “Faithful and patient women are pillars of their homes, communities, and the Ummah. Our unity as sisters lies in our willingness to support one another with sincerity and prayer.”
In her goodwill message, the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Ganiyyat Babalola, commended the NASFAT Sisters’ Forum for organizing a purposeful and spiritually driven gathering. She noted that the retreat offered a unique opportunity for personal growth, faith renewal, and networking among women of all ages within NASFAT.
The retreat’s theme, “Al-Mu’mināt wa al-Ṣābirāt: The Faithful & Patient Women Supporting One Another,” was explored in depth by Alhaja Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, who served as the lead facilitator. Her presentation highlighted the moral and spiritual essence of patience, encouraging participants to tell the truth, support their sisters, and seek help through prayer and perseverance.
She explained that patience manifests in four major forms avoiding sins and prohibitions, staying steadfast in acts of worship, remaining calm in times of trial, and showing gratitude in times of wealth and blessing. Orolu-Balogun described patience as “not a sign of weakness but of spiritual strength a foundation of faith and a key to success.”
One of the major highlights of the retreat was the syndicate session titled “NASFAT Sisters and NASFAT Women: Building Bridges for Seamless Transition.” The discussion focused on improving synergy between the Sisters’ Forum and the Women’s Wing of NASFAT. Participants examined the reasons behind the declining interest of some female youths after transitioning to the women’s group and designed strategies for a smoother handover, active engagement, and lasting collaboration.
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in lectures, prayer sessions, Qur’an recitations, and group reflections, all aimed at promoting unity, patience, and a stronger sense of purpose among Muslim women.
As the retreat concluded on Sunday, the sisters expressed gratitude to the organizers and facilitators for providing a platform that strengthened their faith and commitment to NASFAT’s mission. The event ended with special prayers for peace, progress, and the continued growth of the NASFAT Sisters’ Forum across all zones in the world.
