| `Many people had an opportunity to see Muslims really enjoying themselves. People from all cultures and faiths were present and joined in which added to the spirit of the event.' |
After the successful Islamia School fundraising dinner and auction on Friday 2nd July the staff and fundraising committee were all up bright and early at 7:30am to meet another challenge. The Family Fun Day at Queen's Park, North West London, was expected to attract over a thousand people with all proceeds going towards the school fund. The team of volunteers were a little anxious as they watched the dark clouds roll across the sky. The early hours were spent setting up tables, marquees and fairground rides. Thank God, the weather cleared and the afternoon was warm and sunny. The event kicked off at about one o' clock with welcoming speeches from the head teacher and the Imam (religious leader) of the school. The fun began!
Children wandered around the park with painted faces, henna on one hand and candy-floss in the other. The Islamia school choir began the entertainment with their delightful Nasheeds (Islamic songs). Their voices beamed throughout the park attracting many people from the local community to join in the event. There were people from all cultures and faiths present, enjoying the day.
The children's bouncy castles, giant slides, rides and games proved to be very popular as well as the arts and crafts area.
Parents, however, spent their time queuing at the barbeque stall. The volunteers kept turning out the kebabs and chicken naans all afternoon. The food stall provided all kinds of mouth-watering snacks and sweets.
The highlight of the day was the rap entertainment from Mecca 2 Medina. They opened with a wonderful number recounting the beautiful character of our Prophet Muhammad (may God's peace and blessings be with him). It was a most uplifting experience. Mecca 2 Medina were followed by the up and coming Islamia School Rap group who performed some cover songs from the popular American rap group, Native Deen. The boys did very well and seemed to be revelling in the attention - any recording contract offers should be forwarded to Islamia!
The largest marquee at the event was filled with stall-holders and busy shoppers. The goods varied from calligraphy and art pieces to scarves and Jilbabs (cloaks). It was even possible to get a health check, but I refused point-blank to step on the scales! Interpal had a display of their project work and the Metropolitan Police had a very popular display of one of their patrol cars.
The most important aspect of the event was that that it was held in an open public area which meant that the local community could get involved too. They could savour the delights of Muslim culture, food, art and song; and all for a very worthy cause.
Saddia Malik
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