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Sweden 2003 - Essay |
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Sweden 2003 – My Experience
18 campers submitted their essays. The writings were good; the styles were varied and interesting; the experiences quoted were personal and well chosen to suit the length of the essay.
The 4 judges independently decided that the one and only first prize of £100 cash should go to Ali Qasim Raza. The winning essay is being reproduced herewith in full. All the essays will Inshallah be published in due course.
Ali Qasim Raza - Planet - Mars
Once I received the letters from the organisers, it was confirmed that I was going on the camp. Having read the rules and information, I realised how strict they were and going with the mosque gave me the impression that it was going to be a tense atmosphere and that we’d have no freedom.
Also, I was beginning to doubt myself. This is because I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for this trip, as I feared my knowledge and abilities would not be sufficient. But on the other hand my main aim was to improve myself in every aspect and this camp helped me to do so.
Throughout the trip, I was encouraged to take full advantage of this camp. I was provided with many opportunities, whether it was trying something new or improving or correcting myself in something that I was already familiar with.
In the afternoon, we’d play sport. There was a wide range in what we could play. There were many different sports that we could play like table tennis, volleyball and football. Quite a few sports such as volleyball were new to me. So I didn’t know how to play. But with the help and encouragement of the mentors, I learnt how to play, and it gave me a real sense of achievement. But not only did playing sport give me the chance to improve my physical ability, I also got mix and interact with other people from all over the country and abroad, and made good friends.
The lectures were fulfilling. They increased my knowledge. The lectures were on Islamic topics and other issues that are important for this generation. Also, some were working on how to develop us. For instance we did questionnaires that tested our attitude, memory, patience and laterality. This was good for me because I found out what was good about me and what I could do to improve about myself.
There were particular lectures that I valued. There was one on controlling what we say. I valued this lecture because we were shown that many of the things we say are forbidden in Islam. Now I know how to overcome the temptation. Another lecture that I found important was one on Islamophobia. This was important to me because in this day in age, people who are not Muslims challenge us about our faith, and now I know how to answer them.
Everyday we had Quran class for half an hour. In these classes, my recitation of the Quran improved drastically. I became more confident when reading. I was made aware of the rules that are essential when reading. So all aspects of my reading were made better. This encouraged me to read more regularly back home.
Every camper had a Wudu and Salaat assessment. Before my assessment, I was apprehensive, because I was worried about making mistakes in front of the mentor. However, my mistakes were corrected. Also, I now know how to pray correctly for life and I can now pass it on to others.
Every night, we had personal development. It consisted of general knowledge questions, lateral thinking quizzes and memory tests. Afterwards, mentors would talk to all of us, about themselves and how they got to where they are today. They then gave us useful advice on how we can become successful.
Throughout the trip, my group were last in the PD league. This was because in the quizzes, we weren’t co-operating and working together. We then realised that we were doing so badly because there was no teamwork and that we wouldn’t achieve without it. So we began to work as a team and it did pay off. On the last day, we went from last to 2nd place, which proved to me that a lot can be achieved when there is teamwork. Personal development also gave us the chance to do public speaking through majlis’s, news briefs and debates. I was given the chance to recite a majlis. Before it I was extremely nervous, as I’m not a natural public speaker. But after a lot of preparation I delivered it well. So the next time I have to speak publicly it will be easier and I will be more confident.
The trip would not have been as successful as it was, if it wasn’t for all the mentors and admin. They were extremely helpful in every way, and I felt that I could approach them without any difficulty. Above all, they were friendly and encouraging.
The objective of this trip was for the campers to improve themselves in various aspects. I now appreciate the importance of consideration for others around me a lot more. By the end of the trip, I had a great feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment. I hope that I will continue to apply all I have learnt in my everyday life.
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