by Hassan Yusuf, Kuwait
Kuwait, March 27: Hundreds of Indian families participated and enjoyed the fun filled IMA family Picnic-2008 organized on Friday 21st March, 2008 by Indian Muslim Association (IMA) in desert camp at South Kuwait in the outskirts of city. There were separate tents for men and women enabling them to cheer in an informal atmosphere. Day long picnic from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm offered lots of sports for children and adults like Kabaddi, volleyball, Football, cricket, running race, tug of war and so on.
Apart from sports, fun and food, educational discourses and Friday sermon by visiting Islamic Scholar Moulana Khwaja Arifuddin was also arranged giving educational blend to the entertaining atmosphere. ‘Mushaira, an Urdu literary session delighted the fans of Urdu poetry and added aroma to the occasion. Many Urdu poets including Maulana Masood Hassas, Aiyub Qasim Karjeekar, Hashmatullah Shaheen and Qamaruddin participated and presented their literary creations between the applauds from the thrilled audience. Popular Urdu journalist Editor of Kuwait times Umer was present and graced the occasion. Senior Urdu poet of Kuwait from Indian origin Roshan Syeed presided over the function.
Afroz Alam, a poet himself, conducted the ‘mushaira’ with typical poetic blend.
Picnic started with the breakfast which followed a brief morning session. During morning session Moulana Khwaja Arifuddin gave a discourse on the Perfect character and moral teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He urged the crowded audience to adopt these high ideals of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in their day today life so as attain peaceful life and successful hereafter. He further reminded participants to give due emphasis for the spiritual and educational training of the children which Islam considers as the charity and prime parental obligation.
IMA Youth Wing thrilled the audience during the afternoon session by songs, quiz competition, dramas and computer generated animation presentations. Audience applauded IMA Youth Wing stage events like Interview with Shaitan'and 'Media Awareness'. Day long picnic concluded with the prize distribution ceremony where prizes were distributed to the winners of different sports and competitions.
Khalid Al-Saba, Director – Dawa Affairs of Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) graced the occasion with his participation as chief guest and appreciated the picnic event as it enhances Islamic brotherhood and provides opportunity for interactions between the families. Female folks conducted equally interesting parallel session exclusively for females though Friday sermon was common for both men and women. Transport facilities were arranged from Salmiya, Fahaheel, Kuwait city, Abbasiya & Khaitan for the convenience of the participants. Delicious breakfast and buffet lunch was served through Winners Restaurant.
Mohammed Aslam, President of IMA presided over the picnic event. Syed Ahmed Ali and Iqbal Ahmed were the chief coordinators of the event. Jafar Jamal and Mushtaq Ahmad organized the sports activities. Khaja Moinuddin Chisti and Abdul Majeed conducted the morning and afternoon stage sessions respectively.