Summer Camp 2006 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 | Day 7 | Day 8
(Syria): Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | SPECIAL REPORT! | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14

Day 6 in Syria

We went for our last Namaaz E Shab & Fajr Namaaz to the Haram at 3:30 am. At 8:30 am we had our Breakfast & then hit the market at Zainabiya till 11 am. There was lots to buy but little time!
We returned to our hotel at 11:15 am and did our final packing, then sent all our luggages down to the lobby. After praying
Zohrain Namaaz in our hotel rooms, we had our lunch (Chicken Pilao). After lunch there was a specially arranged thanksgiving (there was a touching speech) & final briefing ceremony by Shk. Mohd Rashid to all of us as well as Moulana Syed Ibne Hassan Naqvi, who accompanied us on all our Ziyarats & made it really special due to his specialty in history.

Our Ziyarat E Wida at Bibi Zainab's Haram was recited by Shk. Mohd and we bade farewell to our great Lady Ummul Masaib and prayed to Allah to accept all our A'maals to make us visit these Ziyarat's again.

We reached at the Damascus airport for Dubai at 4:45 pm and had to pass through the huge crowd at the airports to our surprise we did not even found a single trolley for our luggage’s and all our boys took part in the luggage carrying exercise.
Till all of us got the boarding pass it was 7:40 pm, we then rushed to our plane, which finally took off at 8:30 pm instead of 8:00 pm. Alhamdulilah we reached Dubai at 12:30 am. Now it was time to part ways with all the fellow campers with whom we had come so close in the past few days. It was one of the most touching moments. :(

Dubai campers were first to come out of the Airport, while the the onward travelling campers were recieved by Uncle Hassan Abbas Alidina at the airport & was a great assistance to all the foreign campers.Jazakallah

All have agreed for Syria to be a nice choice of venue to hold such a camp, which has some many of places to visit & rich in history.

All the campers have thanked Edu Board, Summer Camp Organizing Comm. & the volunteers for organizing such camps that are useful as well as enjoyable.

Indeed this Camp would be cherished by all. We all look forward for the next years camp Inshallah.
 

Day 5 in Syria

Some of us went to pray Namaaze Shab leaded by Br. Rehan at around 3:30 am, after Namaaze Fajr, we heard the beautiful recitation of Dua E Nudba at the Musalla next to Bibi Zainab's Haram. We returned at around 5:00 am & went straight into our beds. (Believe me but our schedule use to be so packed, that we hardly had some hours of sleep.)

We woke up around 8:30 am & went straight for breakfast served on the 5th Floor of our hotel. We all were now set to go for the final Ziyarat of Bibi Ruqqaya a.s & reached there at 11:00 am, we all recited the Ziyarat E Jamiah Kabeer, Ziyarat E Bibi Ruqqaya a.s & Dua lead by Shk. Mohd Rashid in the Sahan & then boys & girls went separately in for the Ziyarat. In the boy’s side, Br. Murtaza Mazher Somji recited a Nauha & Maatam right next to Bibi's Zari, which could not stop tears Jazakallah Br. Murtaza.

Boys then prayed Namaaze Jamaat with a Iranian Group in the Sahan. We all then left from there to return back to our Hotel. We reached by around 2:45 pm and had delicious broasted chicken in our hotel itself, the food was brought in from a well known Syrian restaurant.

We then rested for some hours, after which the female campers left for shopping at around 4:45 pm & the boys after having a nice tea session left at around 6:30 pm. This tea session also included some interesting talk by Shk. Mohd with the boys. Thanks to Br. Miqdad Rehmtulla, Br. Murtaza Mazher & Br. Zuhair Mehboob to give their rooms for the tea session & moreover to serve all with tea & coffee throughout our stay in Syria. Jazakallah.

The boys came to the Haram exactly at Magrib Adhaan time to pray at the Bibi Zainab's Haram, breaking their shopping to be continued afterwards. After Namaaze Maghribain, we returned back to Hotel exactly at 9:00 pm to get ready to go for Dinner. This time there was surprise in store for us, specially arranged by Br. Rehan & Mowlana Ibne Hasan, we left from our Hotel in a bus to the downtown area & were taken to a posh Pizza restaurant which I feel should be just one of its kind in the whole area. But indeed this was a nice change of menu for all of us. We then were topped with some more surprise when we were served with delicious ice cream. It was a nice meal.

We then headed back to our hotel at around 1 am & all us kept awake the whole night to pray our last Namaaze Shab at bibi Zainab (A.S.) haram.

By A Camper

 
The trip to Syria was exceptional; we performed numerous Ziyaraat and acquired so much knowledge about Islam, the great companions and also ourselves. It was a trip that we will cherish forever.
The story of Kerbala came into reality when we visited 'Darbar-e-Yazid'. We witnessed where Bibi Zaynab (AS) gave her lectures several times about Islam and the small room where Imam Zainul Abideen (AS) used to pray while he was a prisoner. What made us overflowed with tears was where Imam Hussein's head was kept. The presence of all these historical places made us realize with visualized understanding the story of Kerbala.
The most exciting part of the trip was traveling by plane to Aleppo where we witnessed the Masjid-e- Nuqta where Imam Hussein's head was kept on the way to sham and Hazrat Zakariya's shrine. We also paid a visit to Ammar Bin Yasir, Owais Bin Karni and Obai bin Abi Ka'ab—all noble companions of Imam Ali (AS). There was also the grave of Habil to be seen at the top of the mountain and the stillborn Hazrat Mohsin's shrine- Imam Hussein's son.
The accommodation and transport was superb, the experiences we had together will be truly treasured forever and the historical places will be reflected at all times.
We thank Allah (S.W.T) who gave us the strength and oppurtunity to perform the Ziyaraat, We ask Him To accept Our Ziyaraat  And at last but not least, we would like to thank all the organizers for arranging such a remarkable trip!
May Bibi Zaynab (AS) invite us, and all Momineen to Damascus in the near future. Elahi Ameen.
 

The day we arrived

We departed from Dubai International airport at 1:00 pm and arrived 3 hours later to the capital of Syria, Damascus.
After a tiring 2 hrs wait at the airport we finally made our way to our hotel "Al Houseen" which is located 10 minutes walk away from the Haram of Great Lady Zainab a.s
We quickly settled down into our respective rooms with our fellow campers and freshened up before  we took off for the Haram to recite our Maghribain prayers and our first Ziyarat.
Upon seeing the magnificent and beutiful "Zari" of Bibi Zainab a.s we found our hearts at peace and tranquility.
At about 10 p.m we left the Haram to head to our first Dinner (which was very SUMPTOUS!) After our meal we walked back to the hotel and had a brief meeting on our next days programme after which we hit the "KHAKLOS" and were off to bed by 12 am from a tiring but a very special day in our lives.
By Ilham Dhanani & Sumaya Fazaldin
 

After another late, PS2 filled night; the campers had the morning free to do what ever they liked. The local campers prepared a yummy breakfast for the foreigners, scrambled eggs, with toast, tomatoes, onions and capsicum. This breakfast was had at noon!
Some campers went to Deira city center where they did last minute shopping, the others packed and cleaned the rooms.
At 4pm, all the campers met at the Imambara for the closing ceremony, Sheikh Abbas concluded his lectures by discussing Namaz, he said that namaz is the best tool of getting close to Allah and it is the “face of religion.” He also said that thinking about Allah outside namaz helps concentrate on Namaz.
The presentation followed, the organizers, volunteers, donors and campers where honored, then preceded a briefing for the Syria camp.
Malim Hussein Dharsi had in his address to the campers on Saturday had described the meal scheduled for Sunday night as being “sumptuous.” The campers were not disappointed as steaming, sizzling and fresh Gosh curry and bread was served.
The world cup final was then shown to the male campers at Malim Hasnain Khimji’s house, and to the girls at Malim Hussein Dharsi’s.
The campers then said their farewells and exchanged contact details, some with tears in their eyes.
In this camp, friends were made, episodes were experienced, and all the Fajr namaz was prayed in Jamaat (with one exception). The campers learned a lot, saw a lot and hardly slept! It was a remarkable success, it was thoroughly enjoyed, and it will surely be greatly anticipated next year.
 

When day 7 started, and I mean at 00:00, a few local campers joined the foreign campers at the hotel room. They gathered to compete for the ultimate prize, the world cup – on the play station 2! After Fajr namaz – which sheikh Abbas led, the campers went to bed for a few hours before again rising at 8 in order to catch the bus to the Imambara.
 Sister Selina had also had a late night, and thus was unable to demonstrate more useful waking up techniques. In her final lecture she concentrated on giving the campers a detailed 7 step plan to recognize and change you.
The workshop session was titled “where I stand in the world today.”
Sheikh Abbas spoke about the one of the most powerful tools at our disposal, the Quran. He explained how recitation of the Quran brightens the house and lightens lives. He also discussed the methods and benefits of doing Tadabbur on the quran and Nahj ul Balagha.
After Namaz and lunch, the boys enjoyed 2 joyful hours of bowling at the Dubai bowling center, the girls had a trip on the wonderful Wonder Bus, which took them on a land ride 1^st, and then for a ride in the water, a voyage only possible in Dubai!  On returning after a scrumptious steak dinner, the boys started another Play station 2 session, one that would surely finish on Sunday.
 

The campers got a rare chance to sleep in on Friday. The program started at the mosque at 11:00 am, Malim Muslim Bhojani gave an informative session on the habits of highly effective teens, he also discussed paradigms and linked them to the Siraat al Mustaqeem.
The bus then transported the campers to the Barsha mosque where they prayed Juma Namaz. They then had the rest of the day free.

The day began on Thursday morning with sheikh Abbas lecturing on contemplation and reflection. He explained the hadith “one hour of meditation is better than seventy years of worship.” In addition he gave other techniques to get close to Allah.
The workshop was a continuation of the subject; sheikh Abbas made the boys practice reflection and gave them tips on how to contemplate.
Sister Selina continued with the subject of Asma Ul Husna, she explained the named Al Malik (the king) and Al Alim (the most high). From these she described how to inculcate power over Nafs and humility into our lives, she also explained the benefits of reciting the names.
After Namaz and lunch, the boys had a trip to Wonderland; they loved the pool, played pool volleyball and pool basketball, glided down the slides and of course played soapy floor football. 
The girls went to the Dubai Bowling Center where they enjoyed 2 chilled hours of bowling.
 

Day 4 started at the Imambara with Sr. Selina continuing with the “wake up” exercises. She then continued with her topic – Asma ul Husna, she described the names Al Rahman, Al Raheem and Al Kareem. She communicated the benefits of reciting these names and narrated stories that show us Allah’s infinite mercy.
The workshop topic was entertainment in Islam, The boys assembled in groups and discussed numerous methods of Halal entertainment, when they had completed their lists, there were so many activities even the big white board was not enough to fit them all in.
Sheikh Abbas in his lecture described a wonderful, simple and effective 3 step process to get rid of any bad habit that you may have. Also he narrated an enlightening story that portrayed life; it was quoted from an Imam. It was so effective it changed some of the campers’ outlook on life.
After Namaz and lunch, all the boys went to play a well organized football tournament at the Al Ittihad School; they then proceeded to Mr. Hasnain Rajani’s house for a swim.
The girls went to splash land where they enjoyed on the water slides and in the swimming pool.
After dinner, the boys went to the residence of Malim Hasnain Khimji to watch the World Cup semi final. The foreign campers arrived at the hotel at 2 am.

After the recitation of Quran and Dua e Faraj, Sister Selina began formal proceedings at the Satwa imambara on day 3. Understandably, the campers were all dazed, she intelligently made them perform hand and mind exercises standing up, along with other mental activities, it worked wonders as the campers were now wide awake. In her lecture she discussed in detail the names Al Alim (the all knowing) and Al Qadir (The all powerful), and advised us on how to manifest these qualities into our lives.
Then followed a workshop, the topic for children was friendship and for the older campers, marriage.
In his lecture, sheikh Abbas spoke about loving Allah, he narrated a story about a king and 3 wives. 2 of his wives were jealous because they felt that the king loved the 3^rd more. The king invited 3 of them to his treasure room and invited them to take anything they want. The 2 started to dig in but the 3^rd didn’t because she said she had everything she loved, i.e. the king. That is the way we should love Allah.
After Namaz and lunch, all the campers went to the mall of the emirates. The girls splashed out their cash at the shops while the boys went to Ski Dubai.
At the Ski Dubai, the organizers were targeted, Malim Hussein Dharsi, Malim Muslim Bhojani and Malim Mohammed Reza were all victims of snowball attacks. Exhaused and starving, the campers were returned.
After dinner, the campers were treated to an amazing football match between Italy and Germany. It was sensationally won by Italy in the last minutes of extra time.

After a well deserved rest, the campers returned on day 2 to the Imambara where Sr. Selina shed light on the significance of Asma Ul Husna. Then followed an enlightening workshop session on Hijab, Sheikh Abbas explained the concept of hijab with regards to the responsibilities of men.
In his lecture Sheikh Abbas talked about the nafs and the 4 faculties we have been blessed with, i.e. carnal desire, anger, imagination and intellect. He also gave valuable tips on how to conquer the nafs.
After Namaz and lunch, the campers were taken to the mall of the emirates. The boys witnessed the black hole, shopped and stared in awe at the “technological miracle” – the Ski Dubai, a site that they will visit on day 3. The more fortunate women witnessed it 1^st hand, as today was their turn at the snow slope in the desert.
The ladies were eager in anticipation at the thought of playing with snowballs in a desert. Upon reaching they were anxiously waiting for the camp manager to sort out the payment so they could suit up and enter the snow park. They got to see igloos, ice caves, sculptures and the ski slope. They all loved riding down the snow slides, for them it was an exhausting yet exhilarating experience.
Finally the campers returned to Satwa where they were treated to a movie, Tom Cruise’s masterpiece – The Last Samurai. After the film, Sheikh Abbas explained the Islamic significance of the movie, how it portrays contemporary issues like sectarian strife, Jihad of nafs and honour.

The KSIMC Dubai Islamic Summer Camp 2006 started at the Satwa Imambara in the usual fashion with the recitation of the Holy Quran and speeches from the organising committee. There was nothing usual about what was to follow, Mr.Mehboob Lakha dug into his hat and pulled out a treasure hunt! This was a thoroughly enjoyable exercise; campers were expected to answer 25 questions, all the answers were available in and around the premises, seems easy does'nt it? This task was made extremely challenging because of the simplicity of the questions, it boosted observation, logic and team-building skills. Most importantly, everyone loved it!
Sheikh Abbas Virjee then delivered an inspiring speech, lunch was served after namaaz.
After a short break, campers were taken to the phenomenal Ibn Battuta Mall; they were united cries of ''wow'' and ''its massive''
Finally, the campers were whizzed back to the hotel for namaaz, and then to the Abra Station in Bur Dubai, a trip where they experienced the terrible traffic first hand. Upon arrival 3 Abra's were hired and the campers saw some of the bounties of Dubai on a moonlight, but more streetlight semi cool night. It was the time to call it a day. Exhausted, the foreign campers went back to their hotel where dinner was served.

P.S - THE ED.BOARD APOLOGIZES TO THOSE INCONVINIENCED BY THE LATE CHANGE IN PLAN.