As-salamu alaykum...
...is what the cubs were taught is the Arabic greeting used by Muslims around the world. It translates to 'Peace be upon you' - and what better greeting could there be!
On a coldish night in November, our cubs were invited to Madina Mosque in Oldham. We were met by Mohammed Zahid (who had organised the whole trip) and introduced to the rest of the team, Azmat Khan and Qamar Shazad, who were going to be doing our presentation and tour.
After removing our shoes, the cubs sat upon the floor awaiting the presentation. During this time they learnt about the history of this particular mosque and saw pictures of other mosques both in this country and around the world including the Al-Masjid Al-Haram, which is in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and surrounds one of Islams most holiest of places, the Kaaba. It is this that all Muslims face when praying. The cubs also learnt about the Five Pillars of Islam which are the foundation of Muslim life and include: Belief; Prayer; Charity; Fasting; Pilgrimage.
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| Joe and Luke in typical Muslim dress. |
And then we heard the call of the Imam, calling everybody to prayer. And we were invited to watch, which was a great honour for the cubs who sat at the back of the room and were quiet and respectful as we always expect of them. Back at the presentation we were shown the items of dress - and some even got to try them on.
Then our tour around the masjid began with a visit to the ablution room. All muslims are required to wash their bodies prior to prayers and in this room the cubs were shown how they wash. And then it was the cubs turn! With almost all of them having a go, they went through the full procedure and were probably cleaner than they had ever been before!
Now it was time to visit the main room upstairs where the cubs were shown the different times of prayer and a discussion as to the whereabouts of Mecca and which direction they would face to pray. 'Diagonal!" said Daniel... thanks Daniel, but South East is the answer. Then time to look at the inside of the Mosque's big green dome and its beautiful artwork whilst completing a quick quiz and word search.
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| Crisps and a drink - always a good end for Cubs! |
Finally, it was back to the room where we began, where we found a mat laid out for us with a drink and a packet of crisps, and where discussions and questions took place. And then it was time for home.
From what I could see all the cubs enjoyed the tour immensely and I felt they got a lot out of the trip - I know I certainly did! Thanks to Mohammed, Azmat, Qamar and also to Zaffer Hussain (part of the management of the Mosque who made all the arrangements for the tour) and the Mosque for their hospitality and presentation.
Phil
Assistant Cub Leader
