A Long Time Coming
Assalamualaikum folks! (May Peace be With You)
It’s about two years or so since I last posted on this blog, but inshaAllah, I’m going to be posting regularly. This post should be fairly short.
I was at an event the other day known as ‘Takin’ it to the Streets’, an event that has been going on in the south side of Chicago annually for a while now and is powered by IMAN (Inner-City Muslim Action Network). Allhumdulllilah the event was a success. However, every time I go to these types of events, I ask myself, how do we benefit from this stuff? An event like ‘Streets’ has food, bazaar, and concerts. It’s purpose it to attract muslims and non muslims to a place where they can be with a large group of Muslims and celebrate talent. But the question remains, ‘what is the benefit?’
The answer to this question is right in front of us, and no, the answer isn’t ‘entertainment’ or ‘just chilling’. The answer to this question is only displayed through a question asked prior to this one; Where would all these people be if they didn’t come to this event? If groups like IMAN didn’t have events with attractions like Mos Def and Lupe as well as the smaller, more regular events that they hold, where would all the “non- religious” or the generically labelled “misguided” kids be? You know it. They would be at the clubs, hitting up the bars. Probably smoking that sheesha and other stuff as they intermingling with the opposite gender in ways I scarcely dare give utterance.
The point of the matter is that these events may not give the kids that already somewhat have a connection to some of religious group, class, or social circle the same benefit that they get during an MSA lecture, but it’s a means of refuge for the other kids. They may not necessarily know it, but its the duty of the the ambassadors of the faith to open there eyes. As many of you know after coming to an events like this, there are a lot of people who don’t have the fortunate connection to a network of “practicing” muslims or to a halaqah of some sort. They aren’t “bad” people, they just don’t have the connection to a religious type group or friends. Events like Streets, ISNA, the bazaar at your masjid, etc attract a certain group of individuals. Take that chance to invite them to your groups and circles.
I hope you guys benefited from this post inshaAllah. Feel free to leave comments and criticisms on any of my posts.
Shabba Khair, wasalaamualaikum( May Peace be with You)
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Categories: Social
I see where you’re coming from, but is there enough benefit from this giant (and to some, questionable) event that only happens once in a very long while? You keep them out of the club/whatever one day, and the next week, they’ll be bragging at the club/whatever that they saw Mos Def live.
I’m playing the other side here, but it’s a valid point.
“as well as the smaller, more regular events that they hold”
I did mention that they hold smaller events more often with the same premise as Streets, but obviously a smaller magnitude. However it attracts the same crowd.
I understand what your trying to say, but even if they go to an Iman event once a month and hit the bar every weekend, at least its something. After Jummah, thats the only institution that they go to that has somewhat of an Islamic premise. I understand what your trying to say, but everything starts slowly. These events could be a reason (after Allah of course) that they leave their fast life. Allahu Alam.
Jazaks for your opinion.