Our ILM Camp 2024 was yet another memorable and enriching experience for our students! The camp commenced immediately after holiday classes finished at 10:30am on Wednesday, 25th September. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students came together, forming teams to take part in various areas of khidmah (service).
Students eagerly helped prepare the BBQ, made fresh fruit salad and green salad, laid out the sufrah (communal dining mat), served one another, and even helped with the clean-up. Some students followed the Sunnah practice of Qailulah (a midday nap) before the next exciting activity began.
Later, we headed to Yan Yean Reserve, where students enjoyed themselves at the park, played tennis, and even had friendly races with each other. It was a perfect opportunity for students to bond with their teachers, build companionship, and reflect on nature in a relaxing environment under the open sky. The calmness and beauty of the surroundings provided the ideal backdrop for connection and contemplation.
Asr Salah was performed in congregation, uniting the group in the spirit of togetherness and shared faith. The female students gathered to recite Surah Al-Waqiah together with their teacher, adding another layer of barakah to the day.
Upon returning to the ASC musallah, our Ilm students and staff prayed Maghrib together. Afterwards, everyone gathered in a circle to listen to the inspiring life stories of Sheikh Waseem until the fragrant smell of biryani wafted into the musallah—signalling the arrival of their much-anticipated dinner. Alhamdulillah, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of biryani, sitting together on one sufrah with their teachers and classmates, creating a sense of unity and joy.
Before bedtime, the female students sat together to discuss the Sunnah way of sleeping, adding a beautiful end to an already special day.
The following morning, students were woken up for Tahajjud, followed by Zikr, Quran recitation, Fajr salah, and a’maal (good deeds). This was the day everyone had eagerly awaited, as they enjoyed breakfast and tea before heading to nearby Fursan Farm for two sunnah activities – archery and horse riding. The students had a wonderful experience learning the traditional Ottoman art of archery and horse riding, alhamdulillah.
Here’s what some of our students had to say:
- "We had so much fun!"
- "JazakumuAllah Khairan, Ustadhah, for organising this camp."
- "JazakumuAllahu Khairan, Ustadhah, for taking us horse riding!"
- "It was so fun staying in the musallah."
The purspose of the ILM camp was to take the opportunity of the golden chance to connect with students, bring everyone under one umbrella in fun environment, teach them khidmah & Ekram to others & of course give them the opportunity to participate in Sunnah activities.
We are deeply grateful to Fursan Farm and Archery Ascension for hosting such valuable activities for our students, and we extend our thanks to Al Siraat College for supporting the ILM department in organising this unforgettable camp.