Families urged to learn about Islam

Arab Muslim families are being invited to learn more about the principles of Islam and win valuable prizes in the process, including a cash prize of BD1, 000.

A five-day event will be held daily in a Ramadan tent near Al Asala Society in Busaiteen.

It will feature an Islamic lecture each day as well as various educational, entertainment and cultural competitions among other activities.

In addition to a daily BD1, 000 cash prize draw, participants can win laptop computers, BlackBerry phones and BD50 cash prizes among others.

The event is being held under the patronage of MP Shaikh Adel Al Ma'awda and organised by the Islamic Education Society.

"I wanted an innovative idea to attract people, and the youth in general, to attend Islamic events, particularly ours, to get an insight into Islamic values and principles," Shaikh Al Ma'awda told the GDN.

"This is why I looked for the best in Islamic 'edutainment' programmes and activities that are in line with today's lifestyles.

"The lecturers I have chosen are all well-known and have many followers around the world in view of the way they promote Islam.

"They make their point in an easy way without it being considered as preaching or instructive."

The lecturers speaking over the five days include Kuwaiti scholar Shaikh Othman Al Khamis, Egyptian scholar Shaikh Mohammed Hussain Yacoub, Saudi scholars Shaikh Essam Al Owaid and Dr Shaikh Ali Al Shebil as well as Shaikh Al Ma'awda.

"We are not only targeting men, but also women and children and this is why we have separate specialised events at two smaller tents for them," said Shaikh Al Ma'awda.

"They will be able to take part in various educational, entertainment and cultural events and competitions that are particularly designed for them, ranging from drawing and painting to trivia and quiz games."

He said that a separate corner was also being set up for those wishing to have Islamic music on audio or video downloaded to their laptops and phones.

Shaikh Al Ma'awda, who is also one of the founders of both societies, said that many attractive prizes were being lined up for participants.

This was achieved with the help of sponsors and Shaikh Al Ma'awda said it was difficult to provide an estimate of the entire budget.

"It is a new concept to attract people and we have already have plans to hold a similar event next year depending on the success of this one," he said.

"The plan is to have it as an ongoing event for as long as it goes and it has already got back-up from a number of businesses and government bodies.

For further information, contact 38382812.

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alaali@gdn.com.bh