Since the last ICWA newsletter in April 2007, the sisters at ICWA have continued to provide religious and social support to the local community. As well as our fortnightly Dars-e-Quran programmes, we are now also holding a monthly Ghousia Khatum which takes place on the 11^th of every Islamic month.

Eid Milaad-un-Nabi Celebration

 The Islamic Centre Women’s Association celebrated the birth of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) by hosting a Mehfil-e-Milaad on the 15^th April.  The event was held in the ladies gallery and was attended by over 200 women.  Naats were recited by children and sisters. An inspiring speech was given by Allima Farhana Apa.  Niaz was distributed at the end of the programme. Gift bags were also given to the children that took part in the naat programme. The first ICWA newsletter was also distributed on this auspicious occasion.

Giving Ghusl to a Mayat 

In April, ICWA hosted a special practical demonstration on to how to give Ghusl to the deceased. This programme proved very popular and we have had requests to hold it again. Inshallah, we shall arrange another similar workshop in the near future. 

Dars-e-Quran programmes 

The Islamic Centre Women’s Association have been holding regular fortnightly Dars-e-Quran progammes for our Muslim sisters.  Topics over the last four months have included the Concept of Haya in Islam, Haqooq-ul-Ibaad, and the Islamic upbringing of children.  The Dars programmes are given in Urdu and English and there is usually an opportunity for questions and discussions at the end. We would like to encourage our Muslim sisters to attend these programmes regularly. Sisters of all age groups are welcome. We provide a free crèche facility for children, so please bring your children along too.

Naat Competition 

On July 7^th the Islamic Centre Women’s Association hosted a naat competition for children. Mashallah, we had entries from over forty children. The standard of recitation of the naats was excellent both in the under 8’s category and the over 8’s category. Indeed, the judges had a very hard time deciding on the winners! We would like to congratulate ALL the children that took part in the competition and also their parents who encouraged and supported them.  A special congratulations goes to Hannah Ahmad who came first in the under 8’s category and Mohammad Bilaal who came first in the over 8’s category.

Summer Fun Day 

ICWA held their first summer fun day on the 1st of September.  The event included a bouncy castle and plenty of games and activities for children. All diets went out of the window for the day, as the sisters tucked into the tasty treats that were available throughout the day at the numerous food stalls.   There were also plenty of bargain buy stalls, selling arts and crafts, jewellery, pashmina shawls, clothes, books and CDs. An auction of donated items was also held and we would like to thank all businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction. ICWA would like to thank everyone who donated items for us to sell. We would also like to thank all the sisters who helped on the day to help make it such a resounding success. We managed to raise £2,800 with all your efforts.