'Eid mubarak!' - Christ's Hospitals Muslim students celebrate together at schools eid dinner
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
On the 11th of march, Christ's hospitals Muslim students association held its annual Eid dinner! The dinner was held to commemorate the ending of the month of Ramadan and to bring the CH Muslim community together.
The Muslim students association, or more commonly known as MSA, is a student-led society aimed at allowing Muslim students at CH to have a sense of community and to create a sense of belonging. This years leaders are Amer (year 13), Javina (year 13) and Camilla (year 12 ).
Annually, Muslim students at CH, and Muslims around the world, celebrate the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, and is a time in which Muslims aim to gain discipline, be kinder to one another and strive to become closer to God. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day during the month.
Every year, the CH community strive to provide a comfortable space in which practicing students can oversee Ramadan and provide them with whatever they may need during this time. The students were provided with a hotmeal each day to break their fasts and Breakfasts bags to prepare them for a day of fasting ahead.
Javina commented "I think that we are very fortunate to have this amount of support from the staff and catering team, especially since we are away from our families during this time. The whole of MSA are very grateful for them."
With only a few days of fasting left, MSA held its eid dinner in time for the start of half term. The dinner was oversaw by MSA's senior leaders, Javina and amer, Its teacher liason, Dr wines and Head of DEI, Mrs Edwards. In javinas words, eid dinner was a time for all of the community to come together and bond over a delicious meal. Christ's hospitals catering team, lodestone house, provided a wide spread of dishes for students to enjoy after a long day of fasting. Each student was allowed to invite a plus one, to give a non-muslim student an insight on islamic traditions and culture.
Martha, a student plus-one, said "Previously, I never really had any experiences with Islamic culture, it was such an eye-opening experience and I am very happy that I could learn more about other peoples beliefs and traditions."
Each table was thoughtfully and beautifully decorated by Mrs edwards, with 'eid mubarak'( an arabic phrase meaning 'blessed eid') laid out across them. Around 80 guests attended this year, being one of the largest turnouts. The dinner was held from 6:15 to around 8. Every table embarked in joyful conversations as laughter and smiles spread throughout the hall. Of course, the main highlight of the night however was the appetizing meal presented by lodestone house. The catering team spent hours to make a carefully thoughout meal, hoping that guests would enjoy (and they sure did!)
The menu included different foods from a range of cultures such as: katsu curry, fries, shrimp tempura, gyozas, samosas and spring rolls being a favourite. To end the night, guests were served a chilling dessert of Gulab jamun and ice cream.
Hajjra, a new year 12 at CH, said "Coming from a school where I was the only Muslim, I really appreciate and enjoy the sense of community here at CH. Though we are away from home during this time, I am glad that I have other people to relate to away from home"
Javina commented "This year was a huge success. the food, the vibes and the community made the night a night to remember. Of course we couldn't have done it without the help of Dr wines and Mrs Edwards, we really appreciate their support"
Though Muslim students at CH make up a small minority, The school is upmost happy to celebrate and honor their beliefs and traditions. At Christs hospital, everyones backgrounds are appreciate equally! The schools hopes to host yet another fantastic dinner such as this again next year.
