Wessex Jamaat hosted the 17th Fareham scouts at Al Mahdi Centre on 12th February 2014. This was the first visit of a Scout Group to the centre. There were about 30 people from the 17th Fareham troop with their leaders.
The purpose of the visit was to try and get the Scouts to explore the faith of Islam. This is as part of their scouting course to understand and appreciate the diversity of faiths and culture in the community. The experience is required to achieve some of the Scout badges.
They were greeted by Brother Jamil Bandali, the Secretary of Wessex Jamaat, Sister Sabira Dorey and youths from the Centre.
After sharing of expectations of their visit by the scouts, an introduction to Islam was done by Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, the Resident Alim/Imam of the Centre. Sheikh Fazle Abbas explained that being a Muslim is a way of life; and how you treat yourself, others and the environment are key aspects of Islam. These are values that are prominent in the Scout’s Promise too.
Thereafter an interactive discussion including the demonstration of ablutions and prayers took place. “I really enjoyed taking part in the prayer,” remarked a young and enthusiastic Scout.
The highlight of the evening was the induction of a new scout. This was a historic event for both the Scouts and the Wessex Jamaat Muslim Community to have a Scout being invested at the Centre.
“Theo Rowe’s investiture was one of the most memorable one we have ever done,” observed Nigel Baber, one of the Scout Leaders. After the pronouncement of the scouts promise by Theo Rowe, instead of clapping the ceremony was celebrated with appropriate prayer chants in both Arabic and English languages with ‘Subhanallah’ meaning ‘Glory be to God’ being repeated several times. This was to maintain the sanctity of the prayer place.
The Scouts District Commissioner, Mrs Anna Dalrymple, was so happy to hear of this visit and was delighted that the 17th Fareham Scouts troop had a chance to invest a new Scout at Al Mahdi Centre.
The event was concluded with refreshments and each Scout was presented with a memento of their visit.
“Wessex Jamaat was delighted to host this passionate group of young Scouts and their leaders. We look forward to future similar visits,” commented Brother Jamil Bandali, the Hon Secretary of Wessex Jamaat.