Last Monday night I had the opportunity to attend a Gala Dinner to celebrate International Hijab Day. Thanks to the ladies youth group in Melbourne, Sareera... They put in great effort and put together a lovely organisation.
I got together a table of 11 for the night, mashaallah. The more the merrier at such an event, isn't it? Anyhow, tables were not reserved and on a first in best dressed basis, so someone had to get there to grab a table for the rest of us.
Hmmm... No children, no regular job, and no hubby at home... So guess who had to go? :) Moi of course. :) I didn't mind as I had no other obligations to attend to that day, alhamdulillah.
I did get there quite early, but still, the front row tables were full... hmmm wasn't too surprised but I still managed to pick a good table. :)
Approx. 5 minutes later one of my friends walked in. We waited and waited for the others, but it seemed that they were going to be a little delayed... and we were hungry... with a whole lotta colourful mezzes before our eyes... So we thought, let's start. :)))
There were two platters of each mezze on the table, but some were too far to reach, and no body to pass it on to us, so we thought let's get one of each and put it right in front of us. My my, did that work out well or what! :))) Yummmm, the thought of all that yummy mezzes still makes my tummy grumble. :)
OMG the sujuck that came made us all go wide eyed... we immediately got a piece each (this after all the girls had arrived) while they were warm, wrapped it in Lebanese bread and scoffed it down... mmmmmmm yummmmmmmm :)
Then there were inspirational female speakers. The highlight was speaker Sarah Joseph, the CEO of Emel Magazine. However, I was a little disappointed, because we couldn't hear much. The speakers were not very good... Some may argue that we chattered away, but that is only because we couldn't hear/understand. Seriously! So that was my disappointment for the event. I didn't get to hear what I actually went for. :(
Then there was a very powerful speech from the founder of Sareera. We were able to hear her most of the time because she spoke with a very powerful voice, and the main thing that was left with me from her speech was this:
"We have mosques on this land... We are blessed with having these mosques in a country like Australia... and our mosques are empty!!! Instead of seizing this opportunity, we don't attend mosques, we do not take advantage of the classes offered, the events organised. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had said, "May Allah's curse be on those who live next to the mosque, but do not attend prayers at the mosque." There are muslims who live in those houses beside the mosques, but they do not attend the mossque!"
How true! Unfortunately... this is true... and I never remember thinking about it until she pointed it out. Alhamdulillah, we really are given many opportunities on this land, we must show our gratitude by making use of all the facilities and opportunities available to us.
The next speaker was from ICV (Islamic Council of Victoria). You know, she was amazing, I remember just listening to her with my mouth open, but if you ask me what she spoke about, unfortunately I just cannot remember! :(
All in all, I remember being quite disappointed that night, because I guess I expected more, knowing how successful Sareera is. Now that I look back, I think it was because the sound system was a little poor, and I have a very poor concentration. I cannot listen to one person for more than 20 minutes. That is the maximum for me. Anything more, the speaker must be amazing and the sound must be clear. There have been occasions and teachers whom I have been able to sit and listen for longer periods of time, but yeah.. I just think the speeches could have been kept shorter or the sound system could have been tested beforehand. However, that would be my only 'criticism'.
The day before, Sareera had organised a huge event for International Hijab Day at Federation Square in the city. I really wanted to attend, but couldn't due to loads of work... I totally regret not going, because I have heard amazing things about it. I had friends who attended both the event in the city and the dinner, and they had mentioned that the event in the city was so much more inspirational and bigger... but that is acceptable I guess...
Anyhow, the setting was great, you could tell a lot of effort and hardwork was put in. I congratulate and thank Sareera for such an event, and look forward to many other events in the near future.
These paintings were part of the set-up. I liked them :)
These are all silk hijabs prepared by the girls for display. I think they look great.
Some more hijab displays :)
One of my friends... posing her style for you. :) The painting is also lovely... work of one of the girls if I am not mistaken.
I was unable to get a photo taken at the reception so did one at home. It was a formal/evening attire event, but I couldn't do it. Didn't really have the time or energy for it, so I went ahead with my peplum dress on trouser looking jeans :)
Before I end... The main message of the International Hijab Day events was: be proud of who you are and your hijab!
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