Updated 21 September 2011
One Big Day – One Big Community – One Big Smile
On Saturday 3rd September Hyderi Islamic Centre held their first ever outdoor Eid Celebration. It was a fair style event which children and adults alike enjoyed. Alhamdulillah we were blessed with beautiful weather, and the shining sun and brilliant blue sky added to the atmosphere, and allowed families to picnic and celebrate together.
The familiar Madressa grounds were transformed with bunting and balloons to display the festive cheer, and mouth watering smells of freshly barbecued chicken, burgers and kebabs filled the air. Stalls offering hijabs, abayas, jewellery, mobile phone accessories, various household goods and even surprisingly electronic cigarettes were dotted around. Professional family photographs were being taken and there were cupcakes, cookies, sweets/chocolates, drinks, pani puri and channa bateta all for sale, along with the BBQ, mogo and jalebi being supplied by the jamaat. A traditional ice cream van and candyfloss vendor complemented the fair style environment.
Children’s rides such as chair o planes, teacups and giant slide, provided the younger members with hours of fun; whilst the sports committee’s creative games of Can ‘N’ Ball, Fling the Ring and Slam Dunk offered the adults a variety of activities to do. Beat the Keeper was without doubt the most successful game, and there was rarely a time when the net was not surrounded by young hopefuls and their avid supporters.
Beautifully intricate mehndi designs and artistic face painting were provided by the female youth. Both the male and female youth behaved impeccably, proving that they are a credit to the community. Mulla Ali Fadhil’s emotive recitation of English nasheed’s reminded those gathered of the festivity and auspiciousness of Eid. This was succeeded by the long awaited prize draw and the comedic stylings of the President.
Ahlulbayt TV were present throughout to record the celebration, and they interviewed a wide range of the community. The diverse cultures in attendance meant that the relationships between communities were strengthened, and will insh’Allah continue to develop in the future.
Without the help and contribution of the many volunteers (both in terms of organising and helping on the day); along with the support of the President, his wife, the Managing Committee and the ladies committee, the event would not have been as successful. May Allah (swt) reward them all for their efforts insh’Allah.
All in all the day was one to remember. Comments after the event highlighted the need to have fun in a modern Islamic environment. It appears that this initiative is expected to become an annual tradition insh’Allah.