BRUROSA HOSTS 15TH ANNUAL KEM IBADAH 2024m

OKEHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM, FRIDAY, 01/03/2024 – On Friday, March 1st, 2024, Kem Ibadah made its 15th annual appearance under the theme "Power Of Purpose” at YHA Okehampton in Devon. Organized by the Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA), the camp involved a group of 32 students, including 19 participants and 13 committee members who travelled from various locations across the United Kingdom and Eire to partake in the event.

The evening of day one commenced with Maghrib and Isha congregational prayers, setting the spiritual tone for the weekend. The attendees were then introduced to the camp commandants and chairpersons, followed by an introduction to the camp's theme. As everyone made their way to the dining room, an inviting smell of a Bruneian dish called ‘Nasi Katok’ along with expressions of delight filled the space. It was the perfect supper needed after the long journey. Bonds were naturally forged when people sat together - strangers became friends and friends became closer as they exchanged stories over the scrumptious meal. 

For the first ice-breaking session, participants engaged in a lively challenge of recalling the names of individuals on the opposing team. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, while group members competed to say each other’s name first. Without further ado, they moved on to another team-building activity of creating a group cheer and flag design based on Bruneian Slangs or ‘Kurapak Brunei’. Each group presented their flags, providing insights behind each design choices and performed group cheers. Both activities served as an amazing kickstart, not only establishing connection between participants but also preparing them for further team-building endeavors. The first day concluded with a brief overview of the upcoming activities, informing participants of what to anticipate on the morning of day two.

The early hours of day two began as people gathered to perform Qiyamullail together. Prior to Tahajjud and Fajr prayer, a tazkirah was given on the benefits of these prayers. One of the interesting aspects of this camp was the thoughtful approach of delving into the virtues of practices like Tahajjud prayer and Al-Ma’thurat, striving to instill a profound understanding and admiration of the beauty within Islam. The morning session was followed by tilawah Al-Quran, tadabbur Al-Quran and Kuliah Subuh by Ustaz Muhd Yussof bin Haji Abdul Majid on 'Purposeful Living'. 

With the arrival of the guest of honor, the opening ceremony commenced. Marking the formal beginning of Kem Ibadah, Ahmad Zakwan Bin Haji Mohd Salleh led the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah from verses 28 to 30, with the translation read by Ahmad Bukhari bin Abd Rahman. Continuing right after that was the opening speech from Cikgu Mohammad Danny bin Aimi, Director of Studies UPP and a short speech from the guest of honour, Laksamana Pertama (B) Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam at United Kingdom. Lastly, the recitation of doa selamat was led by Al-Danish, the camp commandant, to ensure the smoothness and safety throughout the event.  

The day unfolded with a variety of entertaining activities, and talks centered around the theme "Power of Purpose." One memorable activity of the day was an interactive forum by Ustaz Fahmi and Ustazah Dr. Widad. The discussion initially addressed the shared purpose among Bruneian students in the UK and the struggles that come together with it, gradually transitioning on the reason humans were created in the first place - reminding us of our sole purpose in this Dunya and the importance of aligning your intention with the purpose of life as to maximizing rewards for the Hereafter.

Overall, the forum went beyond being a mere informational session, it undoubtedly left participants with a lasting impression, moving listeners to tears and leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose. The dedication of each of our invited speakers in emphasizing the message within their talks reflects a genuine commitment to helping students deepen their knowledge and understanding of Islam, thereby enhancing the camp experience. The session concluded with the uplifting Marhaban Ya Ramadhan Qasidah, encouraging everyone to eagerly anticipate the sacred month of Ramadan. 

The night of day two was filled with self-reflection and feedback session. The highlight of the night was an enjoyable skit infused with humour, brimming with meaningful messages, featuring outstanding acting performances delivered by the participants. Following this, Al-Danish and Afiqah conducted a tear-jerker session, reminding everyone to maintain a good relationship with their parents despite the physical distance for the sake of Allah.

The last day of the camp commenced with another Qiyamullail session, followed by a Kuliah Subuh focusing on the topic ‘Ramadan with Purpose’ by Ustaz Ahmad Muzhafar bin Haji Marsidi. The two-day, two-night camp ended with a closing ceremony, during which the camp commandants, Muhd Al-Danish bin Muhd Al-Qusyairi from University of Highlands and Islands, Perth College, and Nur Afiqah Farahiyah binti Haji Muhsin from the Swansea University, delivered their closing remarks and announced the best groups and participants for Kem Ibadah 15.

The honours bestowed upon the Kem Ibadah 15 contestants were highly merited. Team MPB which stands for ‘Mun Paham Bisai’  was named the Best Male Team in the competition, demonstrating excellent and admirable teamwork on the camp's activities. On the female side, Team DANG earned the title of Best Female Group through their dynamic collaboration and mutual support. Their exceptional performance in various activities, particularly the skit, distinguished them as a standout group among the participants.

Acknowledging outstanding individual achievements, the title of Best Participant in the male category was rightfully awarded to Awang Mohammad Shamsul Bazli Bashreen bin Awang H.M.S Bahreen from University of Birmingham. His noteworthy contributions, leadership skills, and unwavering enthusiasm throughout the camp set an exemplary standard for others. On the other hand, Wan Siti Imanina Syazwani Suhaimi from University of Southampton won the honour of Best Female Participant. Her virtues of generosity and empathy outshone the most throughout the event. Both recipients consistently showcased exceptional dedication which served as positive influences on their fellow attendees.

Following the prize and certificate of appreciation presentation ceremony, the event wrapped up with a gift exchange, group photo-taking session and video exhibit featuring highlights of Kem Ibadah 15. We would like to express our gratitude to @upp.uk and TAIB for their sponsorship as well as to those who were involved in ensuring the success of this remarkable and beneficial event.