The ISRA Risala Festival 2024, held on Saturday 21 September 2024, was a celebration of the timeless legacy of Prophet Muhammad (s) and his noble companions. With the theme “Seeds of Faith: The Everlasting Impact of Dar Al-Arqam and Al-Suffa,” the festival aimed to rekindle love for the Prophet (s) with the motto “Know Him, Love Him, Peace Be Upon Him.”
The Risala Festival, a family event for all ages, offered a day of reflection, community, and deep connection with the Prophet’s (s) teachings where the attendees received a specially designed booklet profiling companions of Dar Al-Arqam and Al-Suffa, along with Sirah maps depicting historical landmarks like Mecca, the Kaaba, and Masjid Nabawi in Medina.
The ISRA Risala Festival 2024 was attended by over 200 people and was a testament to the dedication of many hardworking volunteers in order to make it a resounding success.
Emceed by Dr Mahsheed Ansari, the festival commenced with a recitation of the Quran by renowned reciter Sheikh Mohamad Harby. The event dived into the powerful legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (s), who established educational hubs like Dar Al-Arqam in Makkah and Al-Suffa in Madinah, nurturing scholars who spread Islam worldwide.
The highlight of the festival was the panel discussion “Timeless Teachings: The Enduring Legacy of Dar Al-Arqam and Al-Suffa,” facilitated by Leila Khaled. Panellists Dr Suleyman Sertkaya, Dr Sadeq Ansari, and Aicha Kerris explored the educational methods of these historic institutions and their relevance today.
The Three Rivers Ensemble captivated the audience with their nasheed performances, blending traditional and contemporary Islamic music, while the vibrant marketplace offered a variety of Islamic products and services.
The keynote address by Shaykh Ahmed Abdo focused on how we can continue the legacy of Dar Al-Arqam and As-Suffa today.
During the ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya transported the audience back in time with a detailed history of key landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, enhanced by Sirah Maps showcasing the locations of the Prophet’s (s) houses, companions, and key events.
Two workshops added depth to the program: “The Companions’ Legacy from Dar Al-Arqam to Al-Suffa” by Ahmet Ozturk and “Becoming Companions of the Quran” by Zacharia Kaake.
The Salawat Campaign, a significant part of the festival, inspired participants to complete over three million salawat for the Prophet Muhammad (s), bringing the community together in devotion.
Stalls like Seven Spikes showcased Talbina, a wholesome dish cherished for its healing properties, OnePath Network offered a VR journey through “The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (s)” and Makkah, and other stalls featured henna art, calligraphy, and ethical Palestinian products.
The festival’s kids program aimed to plant the Seeds of Faith in young hearts. Children aged 6-10 enjoyed puppet shows, games, and creative activities, while teens (ages 11-15) engaged in discussions, outdoor games, and a Sahaba’s Traits Scavenger Hunt.
The festival concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Mehmet Ozalp and final performances by Three Rivers Ensemble.
ISRA extends its gratitude to the event sponsors, Sirah Maps, Bondi Marketing, and Arabian Hire Sydney, for their generous support in making the festival a success.
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