8 Tips to Make the Most of a Sisters’ Conference

Maximizing the Benefits of a Sisters’ Conference: A Guide

 Sisters should seek permission from their husbands, and brothers should have no excuse to prevent them from attending such blessed gatherings; free from intermixing of the two sexes, free of pictures, only Salafi speakers who will be discussing pertinent topics in a Salafi environment, not to mention the free entrance & refreshments… 

 If the venue is a travel’s distance away, you must be accompanied by a mahram. If this is not possible for whatever reason, you can tune in live (insha’Allah) from the comforts of your own home. 

 If the venue is less than a travel’s distance away, a mahram is not required, but for safety reasons it’s advisable to come as a group – especially if you are going to reach home at night. 

 A conference is an event where people gather to listen and take benefit from reminders. This is only possible if the noise level is minimal. That means you as a parent/guardian have to make mature, responsible decisions concerning your children. If your kids are going to disturb the peace and ruin the experience for others, you have to look for alternative arrangements…childcare? 

 Bring notebooks and pens. Taking notes will help you focus better. 

 Maximise the reward of your attendance by doubling up your intention; to visit your fellow sisters as visiting one another for the sake of Allah is itself a great act of worship. 

Narrated Mu’adh ibn Jabal radhiyallahu anhu: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, ‘Allah, the Exalted, says: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake, meet one another for My sake, visit one another for My sake and spend in charity for My sake”. [Reported by Malik in his Muwatta’ with an authentic chain].

Also, Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “A person visited his brother in another town and Allah deputed an Angel to wait for him on his way and when he came to him he said: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to go to my brother in this town. He said: Have you done any favour to him (the repayment of which you intend to get)? He said: No, excepting that I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. Thereupon he said: “I am a messenger to you from, Allah: (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake).” [Sahih Muslim, 2567]

NOTE: This does not mean you can chit-chat through the lectures! Please reserve this for the refreshment breaks. 

 For newly practicing sisters or new visitors to the masjid, it could be a daunting experience, so regular sisters need to show extra love to them and make them feel welcome. Consider this as a form of da’wah.

 If the conference is taking place in a Masjid, this means everyone has to adhere to the etiquettes of the masjid, hence no buying or selling, no screaming and shouting, offer tahiyatul masjid before sitting, avoid eating raw garlic and onions or any other foul smells (dirty socks, nappies…), keep the house of Allah clean, etc.

NOTE: the stronger opinion is that women are allowed to enter the masjid while on their menses, so don’t let this be a reason for you to miss out.