Cultural and Social Activities
Hajj And Umra
The ASJA has been richly endowed over the years with activities which cater for the needs of the entire community with a multitude of functions at Jamaat, regional and national levels. Forty (40) years ago the ASJA organised its first Hajj trip in 1966 and this year's journey will reflect its milestone of service to the community as the only national organisation to do so. Figures have fluctuated over the years with the largest contingent being ninety-six (96) pilgrims which Insha Allah this year may be increased through heavy demands to well over one hundred (100). An Umra trip had already been organized for 2006 was been cancelled due to the Israeli – Lebanese conflagration.
National Eid Dinner
From the inception in 1967 at the inaugural Eid dinner at the Trinidad Hilton, the hosting of this auspicious occasion has continued on an annual basis so that we are now in our 39th year of celebrating Eid ul Fitr at the national level. Several Jamaats and Regional Councils have marked the occasion in a similar fashion as part of their religious and social interactions.
Festival of Eids
In 1994, the ASJA held its first Eid ul Fitr National Celebrations at Skinner Park, San Fernando with the name being changed, to accommodate both Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha, to the Festival of Eids, in 2004.
This occasion, which is juxtaposed between the two festivals, attracts a large cross section of the Muslin community as an all-day family event and, without doubt, the largest gathering of Muslims at any given point in time. Jamaats, Booth holders, Principals, teachers and students of our schools and members of the organisation and community interests all share in the day's activities in which items are provided for the oldest amongst us and games and services for youths and toddlers. This year a new dimension will be added to the celebrations to entertain the thousands that assemble for the event.
International Qaseeda Singing Competition
Within the last four years, Qaseeda singing competition has been revived, at an international level, with Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname being the main participants in different categories with both male and female contestants vying with each other for supremacy in songs of praise to Allah and Salaams on His Prophet (saw). Attractive cash prizes as well as special awards are given to the winners and participants.
This year [2006], a large contingent of participants is expected to participate from other visiting countries with ASJA as the host organisation in what promises to be a very exciting weekend at the end of August, being held on the 26th and 27th of August. Over three hundred (300) foreign guests and participants are expected to be hosted by ASJA some of whom will be accommodated at the Complex. Special dormitories are being constructed for this event, to house participants and guests alike, as well as to accommodate youth camps, which have been a regular annual feature of the Association's community-oriented programmes.
Indian Arrival Day Celebrations
To mark the 160th anniversary of our ancestors who emigrated from India under the indenture ship programme, the ASJA for the first time last year, decided to commemorate the event with an awards ceremony and cultural and social activities and parade of schools.
This year, with added impetus of last year's success, the second annual celebrations occupied two days with an eat-out dinner, singing of songs and fireworks on the 29th May, preceding the main celebrations on the 30th. This was an all-day event with participation from schools, colleges, Jamaats and stakeholders and members of the community. The Eat out dinner was a welcome change with over two thousand persons in attendance in a garden setting with their families and friends. The actual holiday was marked by a street procession of schools with speeches, Qaseedas and an awards ceremony forming part of the official programme followed by a cultural programme later in the afternoon. Children and even adults availed themselves of the opportunity to have some fun on the chair plane which was provided free of charge.
Our 70th Anniversary Celebrations
Having attained our 70th year in existence and several activities being prioritized to meet regular commitments, it was decided to celebrate our 70th anniversary at theend of August when our visitors to our Qaseeda competition will be present. A Khatam ul Quran service will precede the celebrations, Insha Allah, which will include an Awards ceremony and other formalities befitting the occasion.
Conferences and Other Observances
Inter Religious Organisation In the year 1970, at a conference of religious organisations in the country, the Inter-Religious Organisation, [IRO], was formed with the ASJA's representative, Dr. Wahid Ali, being elected as the first President of this body. As a founding member, the ASJA maintains linkages at this level participating in discussions and decisions-making processes working together for the betterment of the society.
The Organisation, ASJA, also held conferences at different levels, the last being Vision 2006 with a focus on future development. Conferences of Teachers have also been an on going event in the education system which has the potential for becoming an annual event on the educational landscape. In the same vein, the celebration of Meelad un Nabi continues to be a national event and was celebrated this year with a massive rally for school children where more than three thousand (3,000) students and staff members attended.