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July 16 - 31, 2005

 

Summercamp 2005 Reports

The reports below are in blog style, with the most recent on top.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6

REPORT FOR DAY 6 - JULY 21, 2005

Day 6 of the Islamic summer camp began with the daily lectures, followed by salat and lunch. Lecturers gave the campers a useful insight into what was to be expected in Iran and how their course in the Islamic Republic should be implemented so as to procure and keep up their good deeds and faith on a consistent basis. A special reference by Br. Rizwan Manji on this very topic was given to add further impact.

Following their lectures, campers returned home and after a brief rest were off to the Deira City Centre, where some of them had to collect their 'made-to-measure' traditional clothing.

After Salatul Maghribain, the Thursday night majalis at the Satwa imambargah was attended. This was special since it was also the Official Closing ceremony for Summer Camp 2005 (Dubai part). All the campers were honored with Attendance Certificates & the volunteers with token of appreciation for their hard work towards making this camp a true success.

The campers also witnessed the spectacular Hifzul Quran Programme which displayed the hard work & dedication of our young community boys in memorizing the Holy Quran, indeed an excellent program carried out by Education Board of KSIMJ.

At last the time came when the campers wished final farewells to those who weren't making the trip to Iran. Indeed it was an emotional instance which was observed in the courtyard of the Imambargah. As the English proverb goes "All good things must come to an end.", but definitely the knowledge & the experience gained from these 7 days would benefit all of us in the long way to come. Inshallah.

The following morning, campers boarded an Iran Asseman flight to the new Imam Khomeini International Airport, capping off a truly memorable trip. "It truly is amazing how much of a bond one can make with another in the space of a week", as quoted by Sheikh Abbas Virjee upon his own departure. The quote puts in a nutshell how enjoyable and inspiring this trip was.

     
REPORT FOR DAY 5 - JULY 20, 2005

After another round of highly interactive lectures from the speakers, campers were definitely intrigued, particularly with the 'Jinn power' referral made by Sheikh Mohamed Rashid which stirred huge debate and discussion.

The mystery surprise was announced as event organizers handed to campers what perhaps, half the population of Dubai have yet to experience; a trip to the spanking 7 Star Burj Al-Arab Hotel was confirmed, planners had organized a visit to the hotel which is a highly sought after experience! Understandably, to say campers were 'over the moon' would be an 'under-statement' and many were pleased beyond words to explain their delight.

Campers also got a view of the legendary Palm Jumeira, home to Michael Owen and David Beckham to name but a few! Palm Jumeira is the first of 3 palm shaped islands being developed on the coast of Dubai.

After this highly eventful experience, campers were returned home and salatul magribain was recited.

A night swim had been organized at the Jumeira Open Beach for the dark hours and many enjoyed the event surrounded by Dubai's serene water front and tranquil sea.

Day 5 will, however, probably be remembered for the trip of a lifetime; the day campers actually got inside the world tallest and most exclusive hotel.

     
REPORT FOR DAY 4 - JULY 19, 2005

After another round of interesting lectures from the speakers, who have fast geared up the campers to expect ‘critical’ lectures for the last two remaining sessions.

Campers soon embarked upon one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, Deira City Centre. After initial shock at the sheer size of the mall, campers soon began to move around the mall. The international campers were immediately attracted to the Arabian attire store and many had their made to measure kandooras or dishdasha and gatras ordered. Campers then visited the Carrefour Hypermarket and the video game section grabbed many eyes.

After Salatul Maghribain, campers swiftly dressed into their finest fashions to attend the Mushaira program at our sister Jamaat “Mehfile Mustafa” in Al Qusais (around 12 Kms from Imperial Residence)We witnessed some mesmerizing Qasidas & Manqabats by renowned reciters like Janab Shahid Baltistani, Janab Meer Hassan Meer & Br. Musaddiq Lakhanie. Indeed it was an excellent experience which we all would cherish. This was followed by an excellent speech by Sheikh Abbas Virjee which again contained the ‘old man story’, this time used to explain the importance of wishing for others what one loves for himself.

The program ended with Ziyarat & scrumptious Niyaaz. "Alhamdulilah".

     
REPORT FOR DAY 3 - JULY 18, 2005

Day 3 of the Dubai Islamic camp started in typical fashion, only this time with the first two lectures delivered by Sheikh Abbas Virjee and the final one from Sheikh Muhammad Rashid. A practical activity on silence was implemented by Sheikh Abbas and really got campers thinking in the mind processes of their own solitude.

As always, lunch was served following salatul Zohrain and in an activity bonanza, organizers had planned a trip for boys to the Dreamland Aqua park  in Umm al Quwain and the girls headed off to the Emirates' highest peak- JABAL HAFIT (HAFIT MOUNTAIN)

Day three was probably the most enjoyable day for the campers as the Islamic summer camp is fast becoming a truly memorable trip.

     
REPORT FOR DAY 2 - JULY 17, 2005

The second day of the Islamic camp followed in much the same fashion as Day 1 and campers were entertained with lectures, not only theoretical in content but practical too. A particular 'video game' explanation by Sheikh Muhammad Rashid stuck with the campers and numerous references were made to the same, later on.

Following afternoon prayers and lunch, the boys went to the Iranian Club to enjoy some indoor soccer & after that to Lamcy Plaza for some shopping, whilst the girls were gifted with a shopping trip to Naif Souk, Al Manal Center & to Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (all expenses not paid!) as testament to their victory in the blockbuster challenge, the previous day!

After evening prayers it was time for another blockbuster quiz; general knowledge type questions replaced the previous nights Islamic and Imam-e-Zamana (A.S) based content and again the girls escaped with an even narrower victory. The prize for their efforts still remains a mystery...

     
REPORT FOR DAY 1 - JULY 16, 2005

Campers gathered at Satwa Imambargah on Saturday 16 July having arrived the night before to be welcomed by a swelteringly sunny morning as well as insightful lectures delivered by Sheikh Muhammad Haider Rashid and Sheikh Abbas Virjee.

Local and foreign campers mingled freely and quickly became aware of one another’s names. Armed with their folder packs, attendants hurried to scribble down notes whilst hopefully remaining focused on lecture content. The 'old man' story by Sheikh Abbas Virjee quickly became a favorite and was used to explain the vital aspects of implementing knowledge as opposed to just acquiring information.

After salatul Zohrain, lunch was served and once done, local campers returned home, whilst foreigners boarded coaches to their hotel accommodation - Imperial Residence Hotel. A trip to Jumeirah Beach Park where Saturday is ladies' day, was organized by event planners for the sisters whilst the boys toured the glamorous BurJuman Center.

A blockbuster quiz was held after Maghrib and Isha salat which the girls narrowly won and dinner then followed. Campers returned to their various abodes in what was definitely an action-packed first day.