On
Thursday, 31 July, over 3,000 Muslims converged at the Lincolnshire Showground
to attend Living Islam 2003, the largest ever Muslim residential camp to be held
in the United Kingdom. The four-day festival was the culmination of over two
years' preparation by the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB)1 and its youth wing,
the Young Muslims UK. Both organizations have developed the experience of
organizing residential camps over the past two decades, but Living Islam 2003
was distinguished by its varied program and attractions, the high degree of its
professionalism, the huge media interest that it attracted, and the uniquely
relaxed atmosphere that was present.
For
four days, participants were inspired by speakers from the UK and abroad,
including Imran Khan, Professor Jamal Badawi, Sheikh Abdullah Hakim Quick and
others. Several films were shown, covering aspects of Islamic history and
current affairs. There was also a fascinating display by renowned
artist-photographer Peter Saunders.
During
the afternoon, sports tournaments in soccer (football), cricket, rounders,
volleyball and chess were only a few of the recreational activities on offer.
Other more unusual ones included horse riding, obstacle races, hot air balloon
rides and a huge water fight based on Harry Potter's adventures. For those
interested in interactive discussion, there were workshops covering effective
lobbying, married life, and other topics. For the younger participants there was
an entirely separate scouts program which saw the launch of the Islamic Scouts
of Britain, while teenagers also had the opportunity to share and discuss issues
particular to them in the specialized teenage sessions of the Young Muslims UK.
The
evenings were a different experience altogether, as the marquee hosted huge
concerts with an electrifying atmosphere. Artists featured were the USA's Native
Deen, Sami Yusuf and Canada's Dawud Wharnsby Ali, interspersed by hilarious
comedy acts and insightful, yet humorous sketches. Friday night was set aside
for women's entertainment, giving the sisters the opportunity to take the stage
and show off their talents through plays commenting on Islam's place in their
everyday life, singing performances, and even a fashion show displaying the work
of an upcoming Muslim fashion designer, Hamra Alam.
But
this was not all. Throughout the event, an onsite exhibition hall hosted a wide
array of stalls selling everything from books to clothing, perfume and
accessories to multimedia. Feel the Movement, a brand new exhibition
commissioned especially for the camp, displayed aspects of history and
achievement in both pictorial and multimedia form. Saturday saw the arrival of a
careers fair giving participants the chance to browse and discuss with employers
the diverse range of job opportunities offered. Experts and representatives
provided an insight into careers in the police service, legal professions,
pharmacy, the civil service, construction management and many others.
For
those wanting to relax and catch up with old friends, or to meet new ones, the
Oasis Café provided the perfect location. With Islamic songs playing in the
background and copies of Emel magazine on every table, it created just the right
feeling for a Muslim café. Catering throughout the event was masterfully
coordinated and provided by nine different outlets offering something for every
taste and diet.
The
more spiritual side of the camp was the daily congregational Salah (ritual
Prayer) led by Sheikh Muhammad Taher of Leeds Grand Mosque. The climax of this
was the open air Friday Jumu`ah Prayer. The sound of the Adhan (call to Prayer)
projected over the 20-acre campsite was a rare treat for UK Muslims, as was the
melodious recitation of the Qur’an by the sheikh that followed Fajr Prayer
every morning and served as an opening to the program for each day.
Leaving
the site on Sunday, participants went away informed, refreshed and, above all,
motivated and inspired. Living Islam was indeed a unique environment in which
the UK's Muslims could enjoy one another’s company and celebrate the richness
of their history, culture and heritage. They were able to rejoice in and explore
the wonderfully diverse yet harmonious strands that make up today's British
Islam. At a time when the media portrayal of Islam and Muslims is often
negative, Living Islam provided an opportunity for the community to make a
strong statement to the public: that our way of life encapsulates a balance
between the serious and the recreational, and that our values and
principles—peace, equality, brotherhood, justice, care and compassion for
others, values that are often hard to come by in today's increasingly
individual-centred, materialistic society—provide a solid basis for successful
living. Living Islam demonstrated a firm expression of British Islam, one that
sees itself as an integral part of the country's make-up and feels that it has a
great deal to give. The four-day event was a display of the wealth of talent and
ingenuity that our community possesses and a signal of the massive potential
that it has to grow in its vibrancy.
For
further information, visit www.livingislam.co.uk
and www.isb.org.uk.
*
The author is an undergraduate student and a member of the Young Muslims UK
1.
The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) was set up to provide a vehicle for
committed British Muslims to combine their knowledge, skills and efforts for the
benefit of one another and British society as a whole, through the promotion of
Islam and Islamic values. Along with its youth wing, the Young Muslims UK (YM),
ISB brings together the youth, men and women from all social and ethnic
backgrounds, and different schools of thought, for the benefit of all. As such,
its membership largely reflects the diversity of the British Muslim landscape.
ISB
welcomes all Muslims and non-Muslims, helping them understand Islam and live by
its teachings and principles. It strongly believes that working for Islam is not
just about campaigning for Muslim rights, but also about sharing Islam's view on
God, life and society, doing so as an organized and dedicated group, engaging in
sincere and constructive dialogue.
