Ramadan in The Gambia
During the blessed month of Ramadan, we're hosting an informal program where you can spend time in the company of our teachers, pray daily prayers and Tarawih in congregation, and break the fast together, insha'Allah.
What to expect from the program?
The program is informal and relaxed, centred around worship, companionship and spending time in the blessed company of the teachers.
- During the day, attendees are welcome to visit the zawiyah, attend the daily prayers at the masjid, and spend time in personal worship, reflection and companionship. The teachers are usually at the zawiyah from Asr onwards, offering opportunities to spend time in their company.
- In the evenings, we come together to break our fast, followed by Maghrib prayer and a shared meal. This is followed by Taraweeh prayers and another meal, before the evening continues with inshaad (spiritual songs and devotional poetry) and a gathering with the teachers and fellow attendees.
- Suhoor is arranged independently, with attendees preparing their own meals at their apartments or hotels.
The days are intentionally flexible, allowing everyone to find their own rhythm, enjoy the atmosphere and make the most of the time together.
Which teachers are going to be present?
1. Shaykh Muhamed Hydara al-Jilani
Will be with us throughout the entire month of Ramadan.
2. Dr. Umar F. Abd-Allah
Will be with us throughout the entire month of Ramadan.
3. Shaykh Hazem Alshmale
Expected to join us for the first 12 days of Ramadan (approximately 8–19 February).
4. Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Saad Al-Azhari
TBC
Where will the program take place?
The program will take place at The Zawiyah.
The Zawiyah is located in Brufut Heights. Search: Hussain Ismail Khatri Mosque on Google Maps and it will lead you to the Zawiyah.
Pin location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sfxr3H9R8xARjzyD7
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee to attend the program. However, if you would like to contribute towards the cost of meals and the running of the program, we warmly welcome donations.
Our suggested contribution is $100 per person, although you are welcome to adjust this amount to whatever you feel comfortable giving.
You can make your contribution using the donation link below.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ramadan-2027-meals-at-the-zawiyah
What is the registration process?
- Book your flights to The Gambia.
- Complete the registration form
- Receive confirmation email.
Travel & Stay
Do we book our own travel?
You will be required to book your own flights to Banjul, The Gambia.
Some of the various flight options to Banjul (BJL), The Gambia are:
- TAP (Portugal) via Lisbon (LIS)
- Vueling (Spain) via Barcelona (BCN)
- Turkish Airlines (Turkey) via Istanbul (IST)
- Royal Air Maroc (Morocco) via Casablanca (CMN)
- Brussels Airlines (Belgium) via Brussels (BRU)
- TUI Airlines (UK) Direct flight
- Gambia.co.uk (UK Charter) via London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN)
Will we need a visa?
For US citizens, you will need to purchase a visa on arrival at Banjul airport. Please bring cash in USD to pay for the visa and it will not cost more than $100. Please ensure you bring the precise amount in cash, as no change will be provided.
Canada, and most EU citizens (except France, Portugal, Spain, Estonia, and Slovakia) are exempt from any visa as are all citizens of African countries, including Egypt.
For British passport holders, visas are not required for entry into The Gambia. You must be traveling on a full 10-year British passport, valid at least until the date of arrival back in the UK.
Please refer to this website for further information:
Do we need to book our own accommodation?
Attendees will need to arrange and book their own accommodation.
We highly recommend choosing a hotel or apartment close to the Zawiyah, which is located in Brufut Heights, to make travelling to and from the Zawiyah as convenient as possible.
Below are some accommodation options in the surrounding areas that we recommend:
1. Chez Chic Apartments – Brufut, Serrekunda
A convenient apartment option in the Brufut area. Bookings can be made through Booking.com.
2. Marie Jonta Apartments – Bijilo
You can book through Booking.com or contact the owner directly, who may be able to offer a more favourable rate.
Contact: Mr Sein – +220 738 8255
3. Seven Heaven Plaza – Brusubi
Available to book through Airbnb or Booking.com.
Address: Brusubi, Serrekunda, The Gambia.
4. Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
5. African Princess Beach Hotel
6. Kololi Beach Resort
Getting to the Zawiyah
Please note that attendees are responsible for arranging their own transport between their accommodation and the Zawiyah. We recommend considering the location of your accommodation when making your booking.
Connecting with Other Attendees
A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created for registered attendees. You are welcome to use the group to connect with others who may be travelling for the programme and explore the possibility of sharing accommodation. It's a lovely opportunity to meet fellow attendees and make arrangements together ahead of your arrival.
Do we need to book our transportation?
Attendees are responsible for booking and arranging their own transportation to and from the airport, as well as their daily journeys to the Zawiyah.
For your convenience, we have listed a number of local drivers below who you can contact directly to arrange airport transfers and other transportation during your stay.
When contacting a driver, please ensure you provide your full flight details, including your arrival date, time, flight number and airline, along with your accommodation address, so they can coordinate your pick-up.
As a guide, a one-way journey from the airport to accommodation near the Zawiyah should cost approximately $15–20.
Recommended local drivers and contact details:
Car Rental
If you would prefer to hire a car during your stay, you can contact Buba directly to discuss availability, rates and rental arrangements.
Contact: Buba Gassama - +220 293 9512
What is the weather like in The Gambia in February?
The Gambia enjoys a warm, sunny climate, and February falls within the dry season, with very little rainfall. You can expect daytime temperatures of around 30–34°C, with cooler, more comfortable evenings of approximately 18–21°C.
We recommend bringing light, breathable clothing for the daytime and perhaps a light layer for the evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee to attend the program. However, if you would like to contribute towards the cost of meals and the running of the program, we warmly welcome donations.
Our suggested contribution is $100 per person, although you are welcome to adjust this amount to whatever you feel comfortable giving.
You can make your contribution using the donation link below.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ramadan-2027-meals-at-the-zawiyah
What is the registration process?
- Book your flights to The Gambia.
- Complete the registration form
- Receive confirmation email.
Do you offer volunteering/ scholarships or discounts to attend the program?
At this time, we regret that we are not able to offer any volunteer opportunities or scholarships. Please contact Sidra Mushtaq if you have any queries or wish to discuss further: smushtaq@sustainableafricahub.org
Can we travel and attend with children?
Children are welcome but we would like you to be aware that there will be no playing facilities, creche or programs for children. If you are traveling with children, please bring them at your own discretion.
Can non-Murids attend?
Please contact the team directly if you have any non-Murid individuals that wish to attend. We recommend attendees use their own judgement and discretion when making such decisions, but we are happy to provide feedback and counsel, if necessary.
What is The Gambia like?
The Gambia (officially the Republic of The Gambia), is a country in West Africa. It is the smallest country within mainland Africa and is surrounded by Senegal, except for its western coast on the Atlantic Ocean.
Ramadan 2027 in the Gambia | Registration Form
Please complete the form below to start the registration process. Please ensure you have read the FAQs and booked your flights before proceeding. This form will take 5 minutes approx to complete. Thank you.
Thank you for completing the registration form.
The Gambia Suhba team will be in touch with you soon. If you have any questions, please contact: smushtaq@sustainableafricahub.org