Date: May 3, 2024
Venue: Nasir Hall, Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden, Surrey
Attendance: 197 guests, including 27 notable external guests

Event Overview

The “Poets for Peace” event held at Nasir Hall in the prestigious Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, Surrey, was a remarkable gathering aimed at uniting diverse voices through the power of poetry. The grand setting of one of the largest mosques in Western Europe provided the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to fostering global peace and understanding.

Pre-Event Activities

  • 3:00 PM: Site setup began, transforming Nasir Hall into a welcoming space conducive to dialogue and connection.
  • 4:00 PM: Volunteers, crucial to the event’s success, arrived and prepared for the activities ahead.
  • 5:00 PM: All logistical and aesthetic preparations were completed, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Formal Proceedings

  • 6:30 PM – 6:50 PM: The hall was filled with the resonant sounds of inspirational videos that set a reflective tone for the evening.
  • 6:55 PM: Rehan Shaheen, the charismatic master of ceremonies, made general announcements and outlined the evening’s agenda.
  • 7:00 PM: The event officially commenced with a soul-stirring recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Imam Naeem Ahmad Bajwa, followed by a thoughtful translation from Tommy Kahlon.
  • 7:10 PM: Rehan Shaheen welcomed the audience, emphasizing the theme of peace and the transformative power of poetry.
  • 7:15 PM – 8:20 PM: Haider Hameed then began the poetry segment and highlighted the purpose of this event which was to establish lasting global peace and began by reading three couplets of the Promised Messiah (as). Haider sb then over the next one hour poetically called up each of the 9 other poets to deliver their personal poems who had written on this theme.
  • The poets included, Fareed Ahmad, Nasar Bhutto, Dr Muddassar Rashid, Dr Farooq Mahmood, Missionary Mansoor Clarke, Muqbool Ahmad Khan, Jonathan Butterworth, Shazain Baig, Kaleem Edwards. A video was also shown midway of a heartfelt prayer from Muhammad Sharif Odeh sahib, the Amir of the Jama’at in Kababir.
  • The final poem was read by Haider Hameed which he followed by some final word of thanks.
  • Each of the poems delivered poignant and compelling performances that captivated the audience. Each poet brought a unique perspective on peace, drawing from personal experiences and universal themes..
  • 8:20 PM: Rehan Shaheen expressed gratitude to all participants and guests, acknowledging their contributions to the success of the event.
  • 8:25 PM: The evening concluded with final reflections and a communal prayer, led by Rehan Shaheen, inspiring hope and commitment toward peace.

Cultural and Religious Activities

  • 8:45 PM: Guests were invited to participate in Namaz and take part in guided mosque tours, offering insights into Islamic practices and community life.
  • 9:15 PM: The event transitioned into a delightful dinner, where guests enjoyed a diverse array of dishes, highlighting both traditional and modern flavors.

Special Features and Acknowledgements

  • Kaleem Edwards’s poem specifically promoted the efforts of Humanity First, encouraging support through the purchase of honey and dates, with one guest purchasing the last box for £100—a testament to the generosity and engagement of the attendees.
  • The event received commendations from notable figures on social media, including @scullyp, @eleanorSW19, and @S_Hammond, who praised the event’s commitment to peace and community service.

Post-Event Reflections

Feedback gathered from digital forms and personal interactions indicated that the event was very well received. The audience was particularly impressed by the duo of Haider sb and Rehan sb, who managed to create a warm and engaging atmosphere. The meticulous organization by the volunteers and the seamless flow of the program were highlighted as key factors in the event’s success.

Conclusion

The “Poets for Peace” event at Baitul Futuh Mosque was not only a celebration of poetry but also a powerful gathering that showcased the unifying power of art. The success of this event lays a solid foundation for future initiatives, promising continued efforts in promoting peace and unity through creative expression.