Opening for BRMY Camp

Talking Points for the Opening of BRMY Camp
NACLI, 16 Feb 07





Thank organizers for the opportunity to set the stage for the camp.

Welcome all participants – indeed this and other similar camps has brought about personal transformations of many participants who sought to understand the meaning and purpose of life and what it means to be Muslims.

The dialogue that took place between Allah and the angels on the creation of mankind is an important reminder for us as angels had asserted “will You place therein those who will make mischief and shed blood” [al-Baqarah : 30].

“Evil has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon)” [ar-Rum : 41].

The angels have warned Allah of our potential to make mischief, shed blood, oppression and evil deeds.

But many of us are not even aware of the looming environmental crisis and a world of injustice resulting from ignorance, arrogance and disobedience.

How is it possible that human beings created as Khalifah (Vicegerent) yet disobey his Creator and caused destruction on earth? Put simply how could we destroy or burn the very house that we live in? How could we be indifferent to the Creator that creates us, make us in the best of fashion and honour us?

This camp is a journey into our world today – a world that neglects its Creator, and exploited by men (and women) who acted as the modern-day Pharaohs and ruthless masters of “dominion” instead of moral and legal trustees of the Creator.

I hope through this camp, you will engage on issues confronting us as Muslims, find your place in the Divine order and inspired to act – to play your khalific role by being role models who turns to Allah in humility for guidance and forgiveness while giving his best for the service and good of mankind. His service to mankind is an act of ibadah – an articulation of his submission to His Creator.

But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, or Jill a dull girl – and we will definitely infuse play into work and work by playing. Our playing will be the discussions and creative sessions to develop viable strategies and actions to lead, guide and motivate ourselves and others to become a God-conscious society and blessings to all.

Have a enriching and fulfilling camp ahead.