I managed to arrive at the Portsmouth Cathedral slightly early and caught the last few minutes of the Candlemass service. I was taken aback. While I went to a Roman Catholic primary school and so have attended church services before, there was something different. The vastness of the Cathedral with its high ceilings and grandeur; I felt at peace.
Having been a part of a number of Interfaith events with my own Jamaat back home in Essex, I was looking forward to attend one jointly hosted by Wessex Jamaat and Portsmouth Cathedral. This was the 21st instant of the annual Muslim Christian evening organised annually to celebrate Christmas. I was excited to meet new people from the Christian community in Portsmouth. Once the Interfaith event began, listening to the first speaker, Revd David Brindley the Dean of the Cathedral, I began to feel a real sense of connection between the two faiths. Hearing the verses from the Bible and reflecting
on what Islam promotes, it was encouraging to see both the faiths coming towards solidarity and embracing our similarities. When Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo came forward to address the audience, a sense of pride overcame me. I was proud to not only be a part of the event and Wessex Jamaat, but also proud of my faith and the ways we are able to connect to the Christian Community.
This was then followed by an Art activity. This was a great initiative which gave us the perfect opportunity for people of the two faiths to interact with each other and kick start conversations. The concept of filling acrylic tiles with colourful patterns from artistic traditions of both faiths, and bringing each piece together to form a lantern that would be kept by each community, really helped to symbolise the sole purpose of this event. Sharing together individual ideas and concepts that collectively created one lantern, providing light to all. A reminder to all that we really are two faiths brought together by the peace in which we both promote.
From the similarities to the differences, it was an honour to be a part of a spectacular evening. It was an enlightening occasion. I enjoyed the discussions and hearing other's experiences of the event. I would like to thank all those at the Cathedral for having us and I look forward to participating in similar future events with Wessex Jamaat.
Ridhae Sheikh
Youth of Wessex Jamaat