I don’t usually use the phrase ‘never again’ but LIFe 2014 was nothing like LI 2003, 05, 07, 09 or 2011!
As many have said it felt more like Leaving Islam than Living Islam. Why?
Well for one the atmosphere was nothing like previous events, people simply didn’t talk to one another in the usual friendly way as in the past. We did an experiment on the final day (following Dawuds advice) and both smiled and said salaams to whoever we walked past. Suprisingly few replied, most had a suprised look on their faces and failed to respond. Only 30% of people replied.
Maybe the mood was sombre because of what is happening at #Gaza. The events there, and pretty much across the Muslim world is that of conflict, destruction and violence. Syria, Iraq, CAR, Burma, Libya…the list is longer than ever before…can put anyones cheerful spirit into the closet.
However there were a number of judgement calls made incorrectly by ISB (Islamic Society of Britain) who organise and plan the event. The key one was the failure to focus on the spiritual aspects of ‘Living Islam’, yes there were a few good seminars and some excellent recitation by Qaris (Hasan Rasool is awesome) but the focus was on food, music and fun. There was no Fajr athaan over thr PA system as far I was aware (an ever present during previous LIs), in fact very few prayers had the athaan palyed over the PA system. A minor point perhaps but there were no (temporary) lines in the primary prayer hall in the Epic Centre, nevermind during Jummah prayer in the outer prayer area. It’s not that hard to do.
Jummah prayer seemed to be rushed due to the scheduled air show, and all I could think off during the acrobatic air display was drones/F16s flying over Rafah or Gaza city and dropping ordanance.
Now the entertainment. Oh my Lord forgive me. To be frank, the only person 99% of the people wanted was DWA (Dawud Wharnsby Ali) but he has shunned into the corner as a bit part player. Disgraceful. It was clear with the shouts of ‘We Weant More’ when Dawud left the Saturday night stage after 10 minutes, Umar Regan didnt know what to say.
The Thursday night was weird to say the least, Native Sun? OH my days. We want nasheeds that mean something, regardless of the message hip-hop, rap style music does not suit such an event. Here’s a link to the Saturdays evening live broadcast.
Rant over
These are all my personal opinions, others who went did have an overwhelmingly positive experience. Maybe not suited to those with children <12 to be honest.
Positives: Excellent Speakers, great relevant topics;Awesome fireworks; Excellent site; decent food prices at some stalls; lots of people had positive experience; Kudos to organisers & volunteers.
Negatives: Lacking ‘Islam’; Too many seminars overlapped; Focus on YM; Scouts programme not as good as previous; No atmosphere, togetherness.