Looking
into the audience, apparent was the array of colors representing
different nations. Arabs, Pakistanis, Indians, and Somalis were among
many nationalities represented at the event, which has visited
Bradford, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
"We're
reaching out to people of all backgrounds, targeting Muslims and
non-Muslims alike," Moadh Ghannouchi, MAB Youth President, told
IOL.
"It’s
important that the non-Muslim community attend because for years, the
image of Islam has been a negative one, linked to terrorism,
extremism, and oppression of women," said Ghannouchi.
"We
are trying to promote a positive image, and hoping to play a part in
building bridges between Muslims and non-Muslim communities."
And
of course, there were many Malaysians who came to enjoy the
triple-platinum group Raihan.
"We
missed the concert last year," said Fadhli Mustaffa, a Malaysian
student at London’s Imperial College, "and so I made sure to
come this time, for Raihan and all the other singers, including the
‘Allah Made Me Funny’ performers."
"Plus,"
added his friend Faizal Fathil, "our friends in Manchester said
the concert was really nice."
Selling
over three-million copies internationally thus far, Raihan was
definitely a sensation among the crowd.
Alternative
 |
|
The
event brought together a mosaic of people of different backgrounds
and faiths.
|
For
many, this type of occasion allows Muslims an opportunity to enjoy an
Islamic evening of fun with the family.
"Celebrate
Eid provides an alternative in entertainment, because mainstream
entertainment in society does not conform to Islamic ruling,"
said Ghannouchi.
Tayyaba
and Tanzila Mehmood came to Celebrate Eid with their family.
"We've
been coming to Eid extravaganzas for a few years. We love Nasheed
and we really enjoy the entertainment, especially since it is all
halal," the excited sisters told IOL.
Mariam
Mahmood said it was her first time attending such an event.
"All
the different musicians advertised on television attracted me,"
she said, adding that she would definitely incorporate Nasheed
into her music library.
"The
whole thing was really good, and the comedy was so funny," said
Auzma Ahmed of Luton.
Indeed,
the comedy had people wiping tears away and struggling to stay in
their seats.
"Allah
Made Me Funny" features two of America’s best known Muslim
comedians, including Preacher Moss, who’s been in the comedy
business for over 20 years, and Azhar Usman, nicknamed the Ayatollah
of Comedy.
"Comedy
is a great way to address the fears and stereotypes in society,"
Azhar Usman told IOL.
"It
helps people learn, through laughter," he added.
"In
America, people hate me because I’m a Muslim," he told the
audience during his performance. "It’s so nice to be here in
the UK, where people don’t care if I’m Muslim. Here, they just
hate me because I’m American!"
Feeling
for Others
Amid
the merriment and fun, the organizers took a break from Nasheed and
comedy and invited the inspirational US speaker Imam Johari
Abdul-Malik to the stage.
He
reminded the audience of the blessings of the holy fasting month of
Ramadan, and encouraged Muslims to be consistent in their practice
yearlong.
Afterwards,
a somber moment arose when the audience was presented with a video of
the earthquake-devastated Asian subcontinent.
The
Executive Chair of Human Appeal International, the main sponsor of
Celebrate Eid, brought to light how happy and comfortable everyone
was, and reminded them of their brothers and sisters who were on the
brink of a very harsh and merciless winter.
"The
situation in the area is much, much worse than you can imagine,"
the audience was told. "Let us remember our brothers and sisters
in Islam."
Over
two-hundred and twenty heavy-duty tents were contributed by generous
members of the audience to help shelter families in need, and donation
buckets swept through the arena collecting funds for the
disaster-stricken areas.
The
audience cheered once again with great enthusiasm as 786 and Raihan
performed their fans’ favorite songs.
786
sang their upbeat "Palestine" song, as well as the song from
their new album, "The Straight Path."
Raihan
brought the entertainment to a close with a special request from the
audience to sing "Thank You, Allah."
Half-way
through the song, the seven-member band was joined by all the artists
– singers, comedians and speakers – who sang in unison for a
thrilled and excited crowd.
The
time was eleven o’clock at night, but the energy was vibrant and the
hum of songs reverberated through the air.
