Day 6 - Mentor Diary - Sajjad Hassam

 our first night on the island; less than 48 hours after we were all in our own jamaats, celebrating the 15th Shabaan. I remember how that moon was nearly full; and now it is waning to the thinnest of crescents.

That moon congratulates us on 6 days of a successful camp: 29 jamaat salaats, 16 mealtimes served, 5 sports sessions and 20 classes. The aim of all these activities, and the many others that are crammed into a jam-packed timetable is the development of the 34 campers.

That same moon warns us of the little time we have left at the camp – 4 days – in which we need to continue to push at our hardest to ensure the campers are having the most amazing time. The mentors, administrators and other staff have been pushing extremely hard, day and night, for the benefit of the campers. The tiredness and fatigue is just beginning to show. What is keeping the mentors going is that sense of opportunity – having spotted such talent and untapped potential in the group the task is to make every minute count; making every interaction with campers an inspiration, a cause of growth and development.

That same moon is the reminder of the fact that the advent of Ramadhan (less than a week away) – the month of fasting, the month of extra-prayer and the month in which the Qur'an was sent down. This camp provides us with an excellent opportunity, as mentors, for preparation for this holy month. We are swimming in an entirely Islamic environment, allowing us to nurture and grow our spiritual strength.

It is in the spiritual atmosphere of the camp that a sense of brotherhood has been born. That brotherhood transcends geography, background or education; it is a spirit that is like a fire – providing warmth and light to those who enjoy its presence.

InshAllah that fire will continue to burn bright for the remaining hours at the camp, and beyond then in the hearts and minds of all.

Sweden 2008 - Boys - Mentor Diaries