ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE MAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
What a day!
Allah tells us in the Qur’an: O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another…(49:13)
We were all gathered together, women from all parts of the world, from different traditions and cultures for a great line up of lectures and Iman boosters.
Sr Jillian McNicoll from Ireland, took us through the legacy that the female companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) left for us. The story of Um Waraqah standing out for many and reminding us of the importance of establishing circles of knowledge in our homes, which is becoming a lost tradition. We were reminded of Khadijah the first wife of the Prophet who was an intelligent business woman, the first woman to accept Islam, his rock and support in the early years of Islam and the only wife he took until her death. We were also reminded of the greatness of the Prophets wife Aisha and how she was a scholar in many fields, even medicine and the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet) would come to her for knowledge.
Dr Shaker A-Sayed, from the US spoke about the importance of us as women knowing and understanding our roles in society, that we should be comfortable and not intimidated by others. Muslim women face challenges that men won’t appreciate as they are not challenged in the same way. He pointed out that we are currently more culturally inclined than Islamically grounded. This needs to change. Example of Mary(am) the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him) was given and her high position during the time she lived. Maryam’s mother was worried about the pledge she made when pregnant that she would put her child into service the temple. The male is not like the female, and how a great a female Maryam was. Questions and answers brought up issues facing families and children. Dr Shaker reminded us that it is important to establish a routine of reciting Qur’an in the home as it will increase in righteousness.
Sister Zara Faris from the UK, gave an intellectual breakdown of the revival of the Islamic Intellect. She gave examples from science and reminded us with verses from Qur’an, such as the following:
Indeed, within the heavens and earth are signs for the believers. Qur’an 45:3
Analysis about the character of the Muslims dating back to the Ottoman empire was given. The Islamic culture was envied by Europe during that time and their treatment of women. European women when visiting were amazed at their participation in daily life and business. Women in Europe did not have these privileges. She reminded us that there are over 8000 female scholars of Hadith alone, in the intellectual arena.
Dr Asma Mohamed Salih Awadalla spoke to the women about breast cancer and how to monitor their own health in order to detect any early signs. She encouraged the women to do monthly checks, either just after their periods or on day five, and stressed that even women who are menopausal or pregnant to do the same. She also encouraged the women to go home and relay the knowledge they gained on this from her, to their daughters and their neighbours’ etc saying that it could in fact save someone’s life.
Sr Asma Abdul Radi, gave an Iman boosting reminder and relayed stories as to how we can engage in society with our neighbours, with our children’s schools etc and portray Islam in the light that it is, and not the images that people are seeing in the media.
Break times during the event involved keep fit exercises and question and answers sessions with spot prizes.
The event ended with presentation of gifts for the speakers and keeping with tradition five bunches of flowers presented to five sisters who were nominated for their selfless contributions to the community and its members.
