Family Fun Night at HCIC by Bushra Habeeb pictures by Aser Janjua

The Birmingham Islamic Society hosted its annual Family Fun Night, an alternative for Halloween on October 31, 2017.

The Family Fun Night was planned and organized with separate activities running simultaneously for ages 3-6 years, 7-10 years, and 11+ years. Free halal KFC was served for dinner and Urban Pops were available for purchase.

The evening started with Maghrib and followed shortly after with a story time by Sr. Kirin Nabi for the younger crowd.  She introduced the little audience to her puppet friend “Deen-O.”  Together, the children with the help of some fun children’s Islamic books, taught Deen-O about Islam and its principles; Deen-O even took Shahada with our energetic crowd too, Alhumdulillah!

The kids were then headed towards three creative craft booths, planned and organized by Sr. Sakeena Ahmed and other volunteers, where they enjoyed creating some lovely Islamic themed crafts and played a fun game.

The first craft option for the younger children was the Pillowcase Prayer Rug craft.  Kids loved this beautiful craft where they were able to make their own prayer mat using a plain pillowcase and were as creative as they could be, using pretty stickers, ribbon and hand printing on the bottom of the mat. Sister Aliza Khan, Sister Sufia Alam, Sister Nimra Khan and Sister Nuzhat Janjua volunteered with Sr. Sakeena Ahmed and helped our little artist’s create their own masterpieces.

Another craft station for the youngest kids, was where they got to poke the outline of a picture of a masjid. Sister Rida Zahir and Sister Zeenat Islam helped kids make a perfect window art for their rooms.

After two beautiful Islamic themed crafts, kids got to get into some action and win themselves a yummy cupcake or a crispy cookie as they enjoyed playing a fun Cookie/Cupcake Walk game. Sister Sakeena Ahmed, Sister Aser Janjua and Sister Bushra Habeeb helped kids play this game with lovely nasheeds being played in the background.  Kids couldn’t wait to win their favorite cookie or cupcake.

Kids aged 7-11 enjoyed watching a cartoon movie about our Beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW with their family and friends organized by Brother Tariq Hamid.

Brother Amyn Pabani and other volunteers organized a S’mores marshmallow campfire treat.  It was a complete family fun activity where families indulged in fire-roasted marshmallows. Br Rasheed Al-Muntharee delivered an Islamic talk followed by an Islamic quiz by Imam Sameh for the oldest kids.

The evening concluded after Isha and the announcement of the essay winners.

Alhumdulillah, for a fun-filled Islamic family night, where everyone, especially children enjoyed learning about Islam and its virtues. We hope the true intent has been served Insha Allah. May Allah SWT bless and reward all the volunteers and helpers involved in planning and organizing this event with His rewards.

Prophet Muhammad SAW (pbuh) said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for those under your care. A man is a shepherd, and he is responsible for those under his care. The woman is a shepherd in her husband’s household and she is responsible for those under her care.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]and bounties, Ameen.

May Allah SWT always bless and guide us and our families with the sweetness of Imaan and grant our children the ability to make clear decisions and let them always be attracted to good things that are pure, noble and just. أمين