Background: The Reviving the Islamic Spirit (convention would be incomplete without its companion, the knowledge retreat. In the last two years, the weeklong knowledge retreats were held after the conference. This year however, we decided to move the conference to the last weekend of December because of Eid-ul-Adha and the availability of our blessed teachers. And with the latter's consent, we shifted the educational retreat to the five days leading into the conference. The idea to have an educational program in addition to the conference was inspired by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf who has always believed that conventions are not sufficient forums to transmit the sacred Islamic sciences. It is true that the educational retreat is also not sufficient, but at a minimum it attempts to go beyond the constraints of a conference format. Two years ago we resisted the temptation to brand the educational program. When we called it a 'retreat,' our intention was not to indicate that there was anything from which we as Muslims should retreat. We believe that knowledge of the sacred tradition allows us to properly engage our world with a spirit of faith, love and wisdom. The "Foundations of Knowledge" program is an attempt to introduce students to some of the major themes that underscores the core sciences of the Islamic Tradition. It is also an opportunity to take us beyond the artificial and invisible walls that often separate students from teachers. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with teachers and to network with fellow students as well. We ask that you kindly register early and help us serve you better.