AS part of the ongoing Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which marks the end of Ramadan in the Muslim calendar, Forestry Commission Scotland will be hosting an event, ‘A Celebration of Islam and Nature in Scotland’ – at Castle Semple in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park near Lochwinnoch on Saturday 10th September from 12pm to 5pm.
The event forms part of the Central Scotland Engagement Programme which encourages people of different faiths to use the forest as a venue.
Participants of all faiths are being invited to join with Scotland’s Muslim communities from a whole host of different nationalities, including representatives from Somalia, Syria and Bangladesh, on a family day out which full explores the relationship between the Muslim faith and our natural environment.
A Celebration of Islam and Nature in Scotland is part of the UN’s 2011 International Year of the Forests, a year-long celebration of Scotland’s woodlands, trees, forests with a programme of events being held across Scotland.
The Commission is leading on the response to the year in partnership with a range of organisations.
Forestry Commission Scotland’s engagement officer, Romena Huq, commented, “There are over 4,000 sayings and quotations in the Qur’an about nature and there are strong bonds between the Muslim faith and the preservation of the natural world we live in.
“This event explores these themes in more detail while also bringing together different communities of Scottish Muslims in celebration of the end of Ramadan.”
Families attending will enjoy a series of activities including guided woodland walks, crafts and games for children and a fully catered halal picnic.
James McDougall, national co-ordinator for International Year of the Forests for Forestry Commission Scotland, said: “The UN’s International Year of the Forests celebration is about recognising the importance forests play in our everyday life.
“We’re delighted that this event emphasises that forests are natural gathering places for people of all different cultures and faiths. ”
For further information on the event or to book please contact Alasdair Taylor on 07504 946239 or email stories_for_life@yahoo.co.uk
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