‘I got up for fajr, thanks to Islamic camp - student

Fifty two eager and excited students from various Muslim Schools took part in the Muslim Youth Movement’s annual Orientation Camp at As-Salaam Educational Institute in Braemer on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast from 13 to 15 May 2016.

The camp was held against an Islamic backdrop and focussed on Islamic teachings, practice, prayer, growth and development. It was targeted at high school and tertiary students who came from various institutions including the Verulam Islamic Institute, M.A. Motala and the As-Salaam Educational Institute.

Prior to the commencement of the camp, students were required to first register after which they were placed in groups where they had to give a brief introduction about themselves. These groups were allocated specific responsibilities which included kitchen, musjid, lecture-room and sports duties.

The daily programme commenced with Fajr salaah and a halqa session. The appointed group recited a few verses from the Holy Quran with translation and commentary followed by a discussion on these verses. Saturday night featured an exciting cultural event which showcased individual talent in drama, poetry and nazams.

A spokesman for the event said: “The relaxed nature of this session helped students ease into the orientation camp, making it the highlight of the weekend for most students.

“A distinguishing factor of this camp was that it revolved around the salaah time-table which enforces one of the five pillars of Islam. During one of our evaluation sessions, a student pointed out his appreciation for reading his Fajr salaah as this was the first time he had done so.”

Leadership, Volunteerism, Reformation, Sustainability and Career Guidance were topics discussed at the camp.

Students who excelled during the camp would be picked to participate in a week long leadership camp which focuses on skills development, the spokesman said.