This Interfaith Week, I was delighted to lead a wonderful worship session for the whole school, giving everyone an immersive look into my religion, Islam. I covered the foundations of my faith, explaining the significance of the Five Pillars of Islam, and shared a piece of my culture by having the children listen to Arabic Nasheeds and reading a verse of the Qur'an out loud in Arabic. To provide a personal and visual connection to my practice, I showed them my prayer mat, and we then looked at pictures from my visits to Makkah, Madinah, and Palestine, highlighting these three holy sites significant to Muslims. Following this, all the year groups had prepared thoughtful questions that I answered, tackling everything from why I wear the Hijab and how I perform my daily prayers (Salat), to which God I follow (Allah). The children listened exceptionally well throughout the entire session. To finish the children tasted foods that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended for our health, including wholemeal bread with honey, fresh figs, melon, olives, and fresh dates, making the session a truly comprehensive and deeply personal exploration of what it means to be a Muslim. This event was an example of how we can learn from one another's faiths and traditions in a spirit of respect and curiosity. It has undoubtedly enriched our collective understanding, fostering a school environment that values diversity and empathy, which is the true heart of Interfaith Week.
