East Midlands regional Ijtema began with Khuddam and Aftal Sports at Nottingham Academy, just half a mile down the road. A number of sports competitions were held including football, cricket tug of war, badminton and 100 meters sprint, which were all played in a fantastic spirit of competition. Also, during the course of the morning, both Khuddam and Atfal were treated to an ice cream from the ice-cream van which surprisingly, was more popular with the Khuddam than the Atfal!

Following the morning sports session, everyone returned to the Masjid for Zuhr and Asr prayers, followed by a fantastic lunch of Biryani and Pasta, everyone was outside enjoying the afternoon sunshine. It was commented by some that this made it feel more like a Khuddam and Atfal picnic. Following the lunch break, it was straight into the academic sessions, held in the masjid for khuddam and in the community center down the hill for Atfal. The Khuddam session also included talks for Khuddam on various topics including mental health and the Lahore attacks from an eyewitness and how Khuddam can honor the pledge.

This was followed by attendance at the Ijtema by respected Sadr Sahib and national amla members. Sadr Sahib began by conducting a prize-giving ceremony with Atfal, followed by presiding over the Khuddam final Session and giving an impassioned speech on the theme of the Ijtema honoring the pledge, followed by a Q&A. East Midlands Khuddam and Atfal left the event very inspired by Sadr Sahib’s words.

 

Alhamdullilah for a successful event