News Report by: Muzaffar Deshmuk
Photographs by: Shaikh Dawood & Mohammed Rizwan
Kuwait, Mar 21: Indian Muslim Association (IMA) - Kuwait organized a Desert Picnic at the outskirts of the Kuwait city at Wafra, South Kuwait. Hundreds of families from the Indian sub-continent participated in this joyful and memorable event. This has been a remarkable activity conducted by IMA every year to cultivate the brotherhood among the people and to provide the platform for social interaction.
Mohammad Aslam, president of IMA in his inaugural address expressed his sincere gratitude to the huge gathering and elaborated the activities taken up by IMA from time to time. He mentioned that the whole day event will revolve around the theme ‘Hayya Alal Falah’ (Come towards success).
An atmosphere of charm and happiness included a lot of educational and sports activities and also much popular Mushaira (poetry session in Urdu language) by eminent poets from the sub-continent. Poet Manzoor Adil was the chief guest for this session. A few couplets of poetry were so thrilling that it charged the atmosphere with emotions. The picnic was outstanding for the sports-loving people also, who participated in the games such as cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, running race etc. These games were enjoyed by children as well as elders equally.
Khwaja Arifuddin, an Indian Islamic scholar gave a discourse in which he said that the Holy Qur’an mentions only two paths, one is Siratul Mustaqeem (The Right Path) and the other one that will lead one astray. He further elaborated that those groups who take pain in the way of Allah SWT will be rewarded in the Akhirah (Life hereafter) as well as in the worldly gains. He further added that it is a wrong notion that those who work for good will not get the worldly benefits.
The Friday sermon was delivered by the eminent scholar from India, Maulana Sirajuddin Nadvi. In his sermon, he preached the people that they should concentrate on personal achievements that will leverage them in the Akhirah (Life Hereafter). He stressed on the aspects of spreading the message of Islam.
Dramas and anthems by IMA Youth Wing were the prime attractions of the picnic that added colour and charm to the atmosphere. Animations and cutting-edge technology were employed to bring remarkable and pleasant touch of arts and Islamic culture to the whole stage activities.
Prize distribution for the winning teams and individuals was done before the end of the programme. Delicious food was served for breakfast and lunch under the supervision of Rafat Ali, vice-president IMA.
Naveed won the lucky draw - a return ticket to Mumbai, offered by Jet Airways.
Separate Tents for men and women were arranged. The event started at 7 am and lasted upto 5 pm. In his concluding remarks Maulana Mujahid Umri, IMA Youth Wing president urged the youth to reform themselves on the Islamic lines and finally appealed to them to join the IMA Youth Wing to enhance the community welfare-oriented work. The Desert Picnic was coordinated and convened by Mushtaque Ahmad and Masood Shahab respectively.