MACFEST

Last Friday we celebrated MACFEST, as we do in February every year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to celebrate Islam. Pupils in Year 7 and 8 received three sessions: What is MACFEST?; What is Ramadan?; and an interactive panel with five Year 11s sharing their personal account of being Muslim and two Year 8s sharing their poems about Islam. These two Year 8s have represented Newman at an online global MACFEST event, sharing their faith in Islam through poetry. The Year 7s and 8s really enjoyed the day and gave really positive feedback on the pupil panel.

Here is one of the poems shared:

In the heart of faith, a light does shine,  

A path of peace, where souls entwine.  

With every prayer, a whispered plea,  

In the name of Allah, we seek to be free.  

In the hijab's embrace, a symbol of pride,  

A choice made in faith, with Allah as guide.  

With dignity worn, it tells a story,  

Of strength and devotion, reflecting His glory.  

Alhamdulillah for the Quran’s words, a guiding star,  

Teaching love, no matter how far.  

In unity we stand, diverse yet one,  

Embracing kindness, under the sun.  

From the call to prayer, to the fast of Ramadan,  

A journey of growth, as we carry on.  

In every act of charity, a chance to show,  

The beauty of Islam, in hearts that glow.  

With each sunrise, a chance to renew,  

To walk in His light, to be steadfast and true.  

Forgiveness flows, like a river so wide,  

In the teachings of the Prophet, our hearts abide.  

In the tapestry of life, woven with care,  

Compassion and justice, we all must share.  

From the stories of old, wisdom we find,  

In the teachings of Islam, love is defined.  

So let us gather, in peace and in love,  

To honor our faith, with blessings from above.  

For in Islam, we find our way,  

Alhamdulillah, a journey of faith, come what may. 

Rida, Year 8 Student