About 5 – 10 minutes before the appointed time, the fuqara will gather in the mosque to conduct their sunnah prayers or to compose themselves before the congregational prayer. They will gather in silence and in the dark and wait for the muezzin to give the call to prayer.

The imam or the Shaykh will lead the congregational prayer and it would be followed by a short dhikr after the prayer, which is recited aloud and together.
See dhikr after salat »

After the congregational prayer (except during Ramadhan), the fuqara will disperse and find themselves a space on the cushions on the sides of the mosque and rest their backs against the wall.

They will organise themselves comfortably, and again in silence, and proceed to begin a session of meditation. The mediation will last for 20 minutes.

The meditation process is described in The Practice of Intent.
Get Your Copy »

After the meditation session, the fuqara are free to perform their own tasks/programmes. There is no obligation, nor is it allowed for any obligation to be imposed without the permission of the Shaykh. During this period, for the fuqara who are blessed with employment will leave for work, there are some who will need to catch up on their sleep and there are also those who will remain in the mosque for an extended mediation session or to further their devotion towards their Rabb.

There is also work to be done in the Zawia during this time. The fuqara may choose to contribute by cleaning the zawia or mosque, by gardening, by cooking or by whatever their hands will be able to contribute. There is also no obligation on this part, but it is highly encouraged for all who are interested to fully experience communal living in the zawia to engage themselves in the caretaking of the Zawia premises & voluntary activities.

The fuqara gather in the mosque for the congregation prayer.

After the salah, there is a meal served at the zawia. People on the property as well as people around the area are welcome to join the meal. The primary purpose of this, is to serve and feed anyone who chooses to join.

The fuqara will again meet in the mosque for the Asr prayer.

It is advised for the fuqara staying at the Zawia to engage in individual prayer/practice between Asr and Magrib. Sometimes the Shaykh will advise the fuqara in regard to their individual practice.

The muezzin (anyone may volunteer) will give the call to prayer when the sun sets over the horizon, and the fuqara will gather again, usually all cleaned and freshened up after the hard day’s work, in the mosque for the Maghrib prayer.

After the short dhikr after the salat, the fuqara disperse and most remain in the mosque to complete some voluntary prayers, and the rest usually convene in the zawia kitchen to prepare for supper.

After the congregational prayer, the fuqara will gather in the Zawia dining room or kitchen and help to lay out the table with eating utensils, food, and drinks. Supper is then served and all are invited to introduce a subject for discussion and discourse, related to that of the deen or of the zawia.

As the Imam of the zawia usually is present during this time, it makes for good opportunity to clarify certain issues about the deen, interpretations of the quran, to get perspectives from the fuqara, or just to ask for advice.

The wird is a daily practice that should be done at least once a day, twice is recommended. It can be done by oneself or as part of a congregation. The imam, the Shaykh, or the appointed person within the congregation will lead the wird.

When doing the wird in a congregation, every aspect of the wird is important.

The fuqara are required to:

1. Form a proper circle with no gaps in between each member.
2. Follow the movements of the one leading the wird.
3. Listen and follow the words, intonation, pitch, and volume of the one leading the wird.

In the moment of silence after the completion of the wird, a person will be appointed to make supplication for the congregation.

The wird is described in The Practice of Intent.
Get Your Copy »