Malika Abdurahman from Norwich Muslim community.
Islam has increased tremendously over the past few decades and Muslims from various communities across the world are using da’wah as a means of calling people to understand Islam. And women, often taking the roles of educators and care-givers, are at the forefront of da'wah. In this regard, a ladies conference was held at the Jumu'a masjid in Orange Street as part he 2012 Moussem in honour of world renowned Sheik Dr Abdalqadir As-Sufi.
Various Muslim women from around the world attended the event and were given the opportunity to speak about their experience as a Muslim female in their home country. Speaking about her life in Norwich in the UK, Malika Abdur Rahman said there has been great progression within the community, as many Muslim women and youth become more active in Islam.
“Things never used to be the way it is in our community today. It has changed a lot for our young people and their involvement in Islam. Both young men and woman were put together as a core group to help with the emirate, and many of us have since been working on the mosque management committee," she said. Abdur Rahman said they recently acquired a huge building next to the community masjid. The premises was once an orphanage home for girls in the late 1800. In more recent years it was a refugee space for woman and has been empty for the past three years now. "We recently went to the city council and said we want the building and we got it...”
The community has beneficial thikrs every fourth night to strengthen and keep themselves on the right track. "We are very much blessed to have some great sheiks who are at all times with us. We have classes as well, which teach us all aspects of Islam,” she said. “Some of the teachings that we are taught are from Sheik Abdalqadir As-Sufi and his book ‘Indications from Signs’.”
She said women are also allowed to attend various classes throughout the week and a madrassa is opened to all Muslim children for two hours after school. Whilst they used to celebrate Eid in the community mosque, now it’s different. Abdur Rahman said they are now sourcing larger venues and recently hired an activity centre where they had rope climbing and various activities and games for the families. “The young people love to have fun and it was really good. We also had a bit of comedy that was performed and sketches about the community were on show that got everyone involved. Although we had comedy programs and light fun, we also looked at the seriousness of the day.”
Because Norwich is small, the Muslim community has a very prominent presence in the area. “We have lots of activities and projects in our Norwich community that I would like you to read about. The Muslim community is very strong and we are always finding ways to strengthen and broaden it. I am hope that Allah will grant you the ability to visit our community soon, inshallah.” VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Various Muslim women from around the world attended the event and were given the opportunity to speak about their experience as a Muslim female in their home country. Speaking about her life in Norwich in the UK, Malika Abdur Rahman said there has been great progression within the community, as many Muslim women and youth become more active in Islam.
“Things never used to be the way it is in our community today. It has changed a lot for our young people and their involvement in Islam. Both young men and woman were put together as a core group to help with the emirate, and many of us have since been working on the mosque management committee," she said. Abdur Rahman said they recently acquired a huge building next to the community masjid. The premises was once an orphanage home for girls in the late 1800. In more recent years it was a refugee space for woman and has been empty for the past three years now. "We recently went to the city council and said we want the building and we got it...”
Exciting time
She said they were granted a 15 year lease on the building and aim to create a great atmosphere in the centre of Norwich. “It’s an exciting time for us and an absolutely huge project we will be working on. Our intention for the basement is to create it into a cafe and restaurant space, with the middle floor for a wellbeing and health centre and the top floor for our operating offices.”The community has beneficial thikrs every fourth night to strengthen and keep themselves on the right track. "We are very much blessed to have some great sheiks who are at all times with us. We have classes as well, which teach us all aspects of Islam,” she said. “Some of the teachings that we are taught are from Sheik Abdalqadir As-Sufi and his book ‘Indications from Signs’.”
She said women are also allowed to attend various classes throughout the week and a madrassa is opened to all Muslim children for two hours after school. Whilst they used to celebrate Eid in the community mosque, now it’s different. Abdur Rahman said they are now sourcing larger venues and recently hired an activity centre where they had rope climbing and various activities and games for the families. “The young people love to have fun and it was really good. We also had a bit of comedy that was performed and sketches about the community were on show that got everyone involved. Although we had comedy programs and light fun, we also looked at the seriousness of the day.”
Because Norwich is small, the Muslim community has a very prominent presence in the area. “We have lots of activities and projects in our Norwich community that I would like you to read about. The Muslim community is very strong and we are always finding ways to strengthen and broaden it. I am hope that Allah will grant you the ability to visit our community soon, inshallah.” VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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